The “Qatargate” will it turn into a diplomatic crisis? The European Parliament’s measures against Qatar, whose representatives may be barred from entering Parliament over an alleged corruption scandal, will have a ” negative impact “ on relations with the emirate and the world gas supply, promised, Sunday, December 18, a Qatari diplomat.
The opening of an investigation relating in particular to the Greek MEP Eva Kaili, suspected of having been paid by Qatar to defend the interests of the country which currently hosts the World Cup, has shaken the institution. Thursday in Strasbourg, MEPs voted almost unanimously for a text in which they ask “urge the suspension of the access permits of representatives of Qatari interests” for the duration of the investigation. The decision rests with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola.
“The decision to impose such a discriminatory restriction on Qatar, limiting dialogue and cooperation before the end of the legal proceedings, will have a negative effect on regional and global security cooperation, as well as on the ongoing discussions on global energy scarcity and security”warns a Qatari diplomat in a statement issued on Sunday.
Doha, which “strongly reject” the accusations against him, regrets “judgments based on inaccurate information revealed by leaks”he continues, deploring that the criticisms aim “exclusively” his country, while others are implicated. The rich gas state has denounced the lack of cooperation from the Belgian government of which it is a ” close “ partner and “a major supplier” of liquefied natural gas.