(Doha) Qatar must show “patience and tolerance” for supporters traveling to the FIFA World Cup, while ensuring the security of the event, the US ambassador said on Tuesday. the emirate.
Posted at 2:38 p.m.
“We want to make sure that Qataris see law enforcement in the right way, we want to make sure that ministerial authorities will have the patience and tolerance for what the world brings to you when you invite it. in your country,” said Timmy Davis, speaking to a small group of reporters.
The US diplomat also said he was confident that hosting the FIFA World Cup in Qatar from November 20 to December 18 would bring about lasting change for the emirate which has been the target of criticism for its treatment of workers migrants, women or even members of the LGBTQ community.
Homosexuality remains illegal in Qatar, but World Cup organizers have stressed that “all are welcome” and that gay couples will be allowed to share hotel rooms. FIFA has also indicated that rainbow flags of the LGBTQ community will be allowed in stadiums.
Qatari authorities understand, the US ambassador stressed, that when “you invite the world into your home, you need to be open to that world and transparent about how you are going to treat your visitors.”
“It means that when you organize a sporting event with a global reach, everyone must be able to come, enjoy it and not be worried,” he continued.
The United States, whose selection will participate in the World Cup, has brought, along with other countries, its expertise in Qatar in terms of security.
Timmy Davis also indicated that the United States would continue its efforts vis-à-vis Qatar regarding respect for social and labor rights beyond the World Cup.
“In recent years, we have seen that Qatar is a country that wants to open up to the world, that does not only want to be a regional power, but also a global one,” the diplomat stressed, adding that “the decision to hosting the World Cup demonstrates this desire for change”.