Qatar says move to cut ties based on lies

Qatar’s Cabinet yesterday expressed surprise over the “unwarranted” decision of Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain to sever diplomatic ties, close borders and shut airspace access, noting that it was based only on false allegations and lies.The three countries paved the way for their decision through a wide-ranging and unfair media campaign, using all available media outlets and setting a precedent for the GCC region.“It was clear from the outset that the goal behind the media campaign, the decision to sever diplomatic and consular ties, and the border closures is to pressure the State of Qatar into ceding its national decision, sovereignty and policies that are based on protecting the interests of its people.”The statement came in response to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt announcing measures early yesterday to cut diplomatic ties with Qatar and close land, sea and air links. The internationally recognised Yemeni government and Libya’s eastern-based government and Maldives followed suit.After HE the Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani chaired the Cabinet’s extraordinary meeting at the Emiri Diwan, HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud said the Cabinet viewed statements issued by Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain on severing diplomatic and consular ties, as well as closing their borders and shutting airspace access, according to the official Qatar News Agency.Qatar has “remained committed to the Co-operation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf and enhancing the strength of brotherly ties between the peoples of its member states”, the statement said, stressing that Qatar will remain loyal to those principles and to all that serves the interests of the GCC peoples. “The State of Qatar reiterates its commitment to working with the international community to combat terrorism in all its forms regardless of its source.” Further, the Cabinet called on citizens not to pay attention to the “tendentious media campaigns”. The Cabinet will provide citizens with any updates as they happen.  To Page 3Emir holds phone talk with Kuwaiti EmirHH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani yesterday evening held telephone conversation with the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah during which the Kuwaiti Emir urged His Highness to work on containing tension in relations between brotherly countries as well as to give an opportunity to efforts aimed at achieving this. HH the Emir expressed appreciation for the stance of the Emir of Kuwait and his wisdom and keenness on promoting fraternal ties between GCC member states.