Doha: EU corruption probe could harm relations with Qatar

AA / Ankara / Ahmed Asmar Qatar reiterated on Sunday its rejection of any involvement in a corruption case involving figures linked to the European Parliament, saying that the Belgian investigation threatens to damage relations between Brussels and Doha. Four people have been arrested by Belgian authorities as part of an investigation into corruption allegations that Doha paid them money and gifts to influence decision-making.

The Belgian investigation led to the suspension of access to the European Parliament for representatives of Qatar, notably postponing discussions on visa liberalisation, the agreement on air services between the EU and Qatar, as well as the schedule of the various visits. Doha said in a statement that the investigation and the suspension of its representatives' access to the European Parliament will have a negative impact on relations and gas supply. "The decision to impose such a discriminatory restriction on Qatar, which limits dialogue and cooperation, before the end of the legal proceedings will have a negative impact on regional and global security cooperation, as well as on ongoing discussions. on poverty and energy security in the world," said a diplomat from the Qatar Mission to the EU.

"We strongly reject allegations associating our government with wrongdoing," it added. The Qatari diplomat also criticized Belgian authorities, saying they withheld inaccurate information during the investigation. "Qatar was not the only party named in the investigation, yet our country was the only one to suffer criticism and attacks," the statement said, adding, "We have watched with great concern the disparagement our country was the focus this week."

Last week, the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected any attempt to associate it with this corruption affair. Qatar has come under fire in Europe since being awarded the 2022 FIFA World Cup, amid accusations of mistreatment of foreign workers and a lackluster record on human rights. *Translated from English by Mourad Belhaj

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