Qatar hits out at Arab states for ‘using terrorism as publicity stunt’

Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and Egypt accuse Qatar of fomenting instability in Middle East and funding terrorism

DOHA: Qatar hit out on Monday at four Arab nations for cutting diplomatic ties and transport links over Doha's alleged support for terrorism, accusing them of a “publicity stunt” aimed solely at attacking its image and reputation.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt cut ties with Qatar on June 5 in the worst diplomatic crisis in the region in years.

“The blockade has been ongoing for two weeks and the blockading nations have offered no formula for resolving the crisis,” Sheikh Saif Bin Ahmed al-Thani, Director of Qatar's Government Communications Office, said in a statement.



“It is unfortunate that our neighbors have chosen to invest their time and resources in a baseless propaganda campaign... The blockading nations are using terrorism as a publicity stunt.”

The four countries accuse Qatar of fomenting instability in the Middle East, funding terrorism and cozying up to Shia power Iran, accusations that Qatar denies.