Doha warned on Sunday that the European Parliament’s actions against Qatar would have a “negative impact” on the gas-rich emirate and relations with global energy supplies. The reaction comes after a request by the European Parliament to block access to the assembly amid allegations of corruption.
The opening of an investigation in Brussels targeting Greek MEP Eva Kyli, who is suspected of receiving Qatari payments to protect the interests of the current World Cup host, has shaken the institution.
On Thursday in Strasbourg, MEPs voted almost unanimously for the text they were asking for “Insist on the suspension of access passes for representatives of Qatari interests“Investigation time. The decision rests with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metzola.
Qatar plays the security and energy card
“A decision to impose such a discriminatory restriction on Qatar, restricting dialogue and cooperation before legal proceedings are completed, will have a negative impact on regional and global security cooperation and discussions on global energy scarcity and security.“, a Qatari diplomat responded on Sunday.
Along with the United States and Australia, Qatar is one of the major producers of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the world. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it has been increasingly favored by European countries as an alternative to Russian gas.
“Special” attacks
MEPs also decided to suspend, saying they were appalled by corruption and money laundering.All work on Qatar related legal files“, firstly the visa liberalization and air travel agreement for Qatar and Kuwait.
Qatar, which “emphatically rejects“Accusations against him, sorry”Judgments based on false information revealed by leaks without waiting for the conclusion of the investigation“, the Qatari ambassador said in a press release. Although it is not the only country cited in the investigation opened by Belgium, it is the target of criticism and attacks “exclusively“Qatar” he said.
Parliament rejected Qatar’s request
In response to a journalist, Parliament Speaker Roberta Metzola said on Thursday, “Two meetings with representatives of the Government of Qatar in Brussels“and have”Re“Gulf State Request to Address European Parliament.
He also said that FIFA rejected Qatar’s invitation to participate in the World Cup.Concerns about this country“.
Macron will attend the final
The emirate’s alleged involvement in the scandal – and several controversies at the World Cup over human rights or environmental respect – have not deterred French President Emmanuel Macron from traveling to Doha for Sunday’s final between France and France. Argentina. He was already involved in Wednesday’s France-Morocco semi-final.
In a statement released on Sunday, Qatar underscored its ties to “Solid“Along with many countries of the European Union, it expresses”Thank you to those who have demonstrated their commitment to these relationships in the face of the current wave of attacks“.
The emirate, on the other hand, condemned the lack of cooperation from the Belgian government, saying it was a partner “closer“and”A key supplierLiquefied natural gas.
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