Several Arab countries embroiled in a political dispute with Qatar have issued a list of demands for the nation, including closing the Al Jazeera television network, curbing ties with Iran, and shutting a Turkish base.
Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates have cut economic, diplomatic and travel ties with Qatar, claiming it funds terrorism and has become too close to Iran.
Qatar has rejected the accusations.
Interview with Ambassador Nasser bin Hamad Mubarak Al-Khalifa.
Q: How do you respond to the allegations that Qatar is financing terrorism?
A: "Accusing Qatar of backing or financing terror is false. This accusation has been repeated whenever policies are meant to be imposed on Qatar. If Qatar were involved in backing terrorism, it would have been referred to the Security Council. This is a smear campaign aiming to force Qatar to adhere to their demands and their policies."
Q: Is the hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar in danger because of this crisis with other Arab countries?
A: "Qatar will host the World Cup 2022. As for the pressure, they would spare no effort in doing so but the whole world shows its sympathy to Qatar, the whole world knows that these allegations are fabricated concerning Qatar's sovereignty and its autonomy in its internal and foreign affairs."
Q: Will the Gulf crisis impact the presence of an American air base in Qatar?
A: "Two days ago the State of Qatar signed a deal with the United States for the purchase of advanced weapons. This deal and the import of weapons proves that all the allegations on Qatar are false. No country will sell arms to another country suspected of terror. This deal is considered as a response to all the allegations. There has been an attempt to demonize Qatar for four years, I am sorry to say this attempt is led by our fellow Gulf countries. They should have used their money in helping their own people, the other Arab poor countries, the Islamic countries, or third world countries. So there is no problem with the American base, it is still in Qatar. We have a strategic relationship with the United States. This strategic relationship is mutual, there is no problem between the two states, the collaboration between the two states is not based only on daily engagements but hourly, thus we are allies. There is a campaign against Qatar trying to demonize Qatar."
Q: Who is leading the campaign?
A: "Our fellows Saudis and Emiratis, they want to have a say on Qatar's decision and this is considered as a violation of the United Nations Charter. They want us to back them supporting some Arab dictators who are killing their own people, but we don't want to do so, we have our own sovereignty and conscience.
Q: Why did the Arab league fail to call for a meeting as usually happens when there is contention between Arab countries?
A: "We are asking the same question, the Arab League is not as powerful as before, otherwise it should not have its headquarters in another small Arab country. The Arab League is simply a weak institution that covers the crimes of others and when there is a problem, it becomes absent."
