Libya’s eastern government cut diplomatic ties with Qatar

BY Libyan Express Jun 05, 2017 - 12:34 Updated: Jun 05, 2017 - 19:39

The Beida-based government of Abdullah Thinni cuts off diplomatic relations with Qatar. (File: Photo)

The eastern government of Libya which is chaired by Abdullah Al-Thinni and based in Al-Bayda severed all diplomatic relations with the Gulf state, Qatar on Monday.

This decision came after a similar action was taken by Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Egypt and Yemen, which all cut diplomatic ties with Qatar.

Libyan eastern Foreign Minister, Mohammed Al-Dairi, said the cutting of ties comes in solidarity with the neighbouring Arab countries (Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE, Egypt and Yemen.)

Qatar’s repetitive assaults on Libyans since 2011 have always been a source of complaint by Libyans, the foreign Minister added.

Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen have severed diplomatic ties with Qatar, accusing the country of backing terrorist groups. Qatar has called the move a “campaign of incitement” which is “based on lies.”

Bahrain announced early Monday that it is severing diplomatic relations with neighboring Qatar and cutting air and sea connections with Doha, accusing it of meddling in its internal affairs. Bahrain’s state news agency said in a brief statement that Qatari citizens have 14 days to leave the country.

The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express.
How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@libyanexpress.com. Please include ‘Op-Ed’ in the subject line.