Corruption: Qatar warns of the “negative impact” of European measures

A Qatari diplomat warned on Sunday that the European Parliament’s actions against Qatar, which may be denied access to the assembly over an alleged corruption case, would have a “negative impact” on relations with the Gulf emirate and global gas supplies.

The opening of an investigation targeting, in particular, Greek MP Eva Kaili, who is suspected of being pushed by Qatar to defend the interests of the country hosting the World Cup, has shaken the establishment.

On Thursday in Strasbourg, MEPs voted almost unanimously on a text “urging the suspension of access permits for representatives of Qatari interests” during the investigation. The decision rests with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola.

“The decision to impose such a discriminatory restriction on Qatar, which limits dialogue and cooperation before the legal process ends, will have a negative impact on regional and global security cooperation, as well as on ongoing discussions about global energy scarcity and security,” a Qatari diplomat said on Sunday.

He said in a press statement that Qatar, which “strongly rejects” the accusations against it, regrets “the verdicts that are based on inaccurate information revealed by the leaks.”

He pointed out that it is not the only country mentioned in the investigation opened by Belgium, yet the criticisms and attacks target Qatar “exclusively”.

The rich gas country denounced the lack of cooperation of the Belgian government, which is a “close” partner of it and an “important supplier” of LNG to the world.