European Parliament measures against Qatar, whose access to the assembly could be blocked in connection with an alleged corruption case, will have a “negative impact” on relations with the Gulf emirate and global gas supply, a Qatari diplomat warned on Sunday.
The opening of an investigation targeting in particular the Greek MEP Eva Kaili, suspected of having been paid by Qatar to defend the interests of the country which currently hosts the World Cup, has shaken the institution.
Thursday in Strasbourg, MEPs voted almost unanimously for a text in which they “urge the suspension of access permits for representatives of Qatari interests” during the investigation. The decision rests with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola.
“The decision to impose such a discriminatory restriction on Qatar, limiting dialogue and cooperation before the end of the legal process, will have a negative effect on regional and global security cooperation, as well as on the ongoing discussions on global energy scarcity and security,” a Qatari diplomat said on Sunday.
Qatar, which “firmly rejects” the accusations against it, regrets “the judgments based on inaccurate information revealed by leaks”, he said in a press release.
While it is not the only country cited in the investigation opened by Belgium, criticism and attacks target “exclusively” Qatar, he said.
The rich gas state has denounced the lack of cooperation from the Belgian government, of which it is a “close” partner and “an important supplier” of liquefied natural gas to the world.