5 Arab countries sever diplomatic ties with Qatar
Baku, June 5, AZERTAC
Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Yemen on Monday cut links with Qatar, in the worst rift in years among some of the major states in the Arab world, Anadolu Agency reports.
Saudi Arabia and Bahrain were the first to sever all diplomatic ties with Qatar, citing national security concerns.
In a Foreign Ministry statement, Saudi Arabia accused Doha of sheltering and backing terrorist groups, promoting terrorist groups in the media, and supporting Houthi militia in Yemen.
Cairo blamed the Qatari government for "hostile attitudes," sheltering the Muslim Brotherhood on its soil, and backing terror groups threatening the country's national security.
Bahrain's Foreign Ministry accused the Qatari government of destabilizing the country's security and stability and interfering in its affairs.
Qatar has "spread chaos in Bahrain in flagrant violation of all agreements and covenants and principles of international law without regard to values, the law, or morals or consideration of the principles of good neighborliness or commitment to the constants of Gulf relations, and in denial of all previous commitments,” it said.
Bahrain recalled its diplomats from Qatar and gave all Qatari citizens 14 days to leave Bahraini territories.
The UAE also gave Qatari diplomats 48 hours to leave the country, accusing Doha of "supporting, funding and embracing terrorism, extremism and sectarian organizations".
The Yemeni government also severed relations with Qatar, accusing it of dealing with Houthi rebels in Yemen.
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