Scores of Gulf countries cut ties with Qatar
(VOVWORLD) -Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Lybia, Bahrain and Maldives severed their ties with Qatar on Monday, accusing it of supporting terrorism and opening up the worst rift in years among some of the most powerful states in the Arab world.
 Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (Photo: Reuters) |
United Arab Emirates state news agency WAM said that the UAE accused Qatar of supporting extremism and undermining regional stability. The Emirates gave diplomats 48 hours to leave the country, citing their "support, funding and embrace of terrorist, extremist and sectarian organizations", WAM said. Egypt accused Qatar of supporting "terrorist" organizations including the Muslim Brotherhood. In a statement, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry announced the closure of its airspace and seaports for all Qatari transportation. Bahrain said it cut diplomatic relations with Qatar, accusing its fellow Gulf Arab state of backing terrorism and interfering in Bahrain's internal affairs. A brief statement on the official Bahrain news agency said Bahrain was also cutting air and sea contact with Qatar and was giving its citizens in Qatar 14 days to leave.