The measures taken by the EP against Qatar, whose access to the EU legislature could be blocked following a corruption scandal, will have a “negative impact” on relations with the Gulf emirate and global gas supplies.
The opening of an investigation targeting in particular the Greek MEP Eva Kaili, suspected of having been paid by Qatar to defend the interests of the country hosting the World Football Championship, has shaken the institution, reports AFP, quoted by Agerpres.
On Thursday, in Strasbourg, the MEPs voted almost unanimously on a text in which they demand “the immediate suspension of the access titles of the representatives of Qatari interests” during the investigation. The decision ultimately rests with the President of the European Parliament (EP), Roberta Metsola.
“The decision to impose such a discriminatory restriction on Qatar, limiting dialogue and cooperation before the conclusion of the legal proceedings, will have a negative effect on regional and global security cooperation, as well as on ongoing discussions on global energy security,” he said. a Qatari diplomat reacted on Sunday.
Qatar, which “firmly rejects” the accusations against it, regrets “judgments based on inaccurate information that appeared as a result of leaks”, he also stated in a statement.
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Although it is not the only country mentioned in the investigation opened by Belgium, the criticisms and attacks target “exclusively” Qatar, he estimated.
The rich gas state denounced the lack of cooperation of the Belgian government, to which it is a “close” partner and “an important supplier” of liquefied natural gas.
Source: Agerpres
Tags: scandal, Qatar, corruption,
Publication date: 18-12-2022 14:43
