King Salman Criticizes Iran, Emir of Qatar Leaves the Summit
During the Arab League summit in Tunisia, Malek Salman, the king of Saudi Arabia once again demanded international pressure to end Iran’s support of terrorism in the world and said: “Iran’s policies of animosity clearly violate international conventions and resolutions.”
On Sunday, King Salman also emphasized that his country supports UN efforts to reach a solution to Yemen’s crisis and added: “We ask the international community to pressure the Iran-backed Houthi militia and end their attacks which are causing pain for Yemeni people.”
Regarding Libya, Malek Salman said that Riyadh seeks unity and security in Libya and supports UN efforts to begin the political transitional period.
In his opening remarks, King Salman bin Abdulaziz also stated that Saudi Arabia opposes any violation of Syria’s sovereignty over Golan Heights.
After King Salman’s speech, while Ahmed Aboul Gheit, the secretary general of Arab League was speaking, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, suddenly left the Arab League meeting.
No reason has been offered as to why the Emir of Qatar left the summit, but a Tunisian official told France News Agency that the Emir of Qatar has left Tunisian soil.
The secretary general of Arab League was criticizing Iran and Turkey, two countries that have good relations with Qatar, in his speech and accused them of interfering in Arab countries, saying Tehran and Ankara complicate and elongate the crisis in Arab countries.
Since June of 2017, Qatar has been in unprecedented diplomatic hot waters with several Arab countries including Saudi Arabia. Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Manama, and Cairo have cut off their diplomatic ties with Doha and have imposed economic sanctions against Qatar.
The leaders of these Arab countries believe that by getting close to Iran, Qatar is supporting Islamic terrorism.