Qatar, Somalia Representatives Thrown Out of Dubai Int’l Quran Contest
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt cut diplomatic and transport ties with Qatar and imposed sanctions on Doha a week ago, accusing it of backing terrorism, an accusation that the Qatari government denies.
They also ordered all Qatari citizens out of their countries within 14 days.
According to arabi21 website, Emirati officials have not even spared Muhammad Abdullah Ahmed Kanu, Qatar’s representative in the international Quranic event in Dubai.
Esmail Omar Matar who represents Somalia in the competition has also been expelled as Somalia has refused to go along with the Saudi-led move to cut ties with Qatar.
Matar had a good performance in the competition and was among the favorites to win the top title.
The Dubai international Quran competition kicked off in the Emirati city on June 1 with the participation of 100 countries.
Qatar’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has censured the sanctions recently imposed against Doha by Riyadh and its allies as "unfair” and "illegal.”
"Whatever relates to our foreign affairs... no one has the right to discuss,” he said during a trip to Paris.
He also called for "dialogue based on clear foundations” in relation to claims that his country supports terrorism. "Qatar is willing to sit and negotiate about whatever is related to Persian Gulf security,” he added.
Most Commented 