Spanish media claims Qatar finances terrorism in Europe

CAIRO - 21 August 2017: Lamarea Spanish newspaper accused Qatar's government on Saturday of backing and financing terrorism within its borders and all of Europe, to extend its influence.

In a report published by Lamarea, it was stated that the gas-rich country is financing a number of the extremists who use some mosques to encourage young people to join armed and terrorist groups including ISIS.

"Hard-line religious discourse is one of the main reasons that leads to extremism and changes the true image of Islam," the report said, adding that Doha's government is one of the main financing terrorism to expand its influence within Spain, especially economic-wise.

On August 17, Barcelona witnessed two deadly attacks; the first was in Barcelona while the other was in the coastal resort of Cambrils. The two attacks led to the killing of at least 15 people and more than a hundred injured including citizens of 24 countries. The Spanish police reported killing five terrorists and arresting four suspects.

Prior to these attacks, Spanish newspapers warned of an Islamic State (IS) terrorist group plot against Spain whether within its borders or abroad.

A report published Friday by the Spanish newspaper, La Razón, revealed that Qatari businessmen are financing and supporting terrorism in the province of Catalonia.

Spain however, is not the only country that accused Qatar of backing terrorism. On June 5, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain also decided to cut all diplomatic ties with Qatar, alleging that the state supports terrorism. Ports and airspace were cut off to Qatari vessels

On June 6, Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah Ahmad Al-Sabah started a tour that included Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar in an attempt to mediate between the three countries.
A list of 13-demands was given to Doha’s government by Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain as a condition to reconciliation which includes the closing of Al Jazeera broadcasting; however, Qatar’s response was described as “negative” by the four countries’ foreign ministers in a joint statement released after holding a summit in Cairo on July 5.

On Friday, July 7, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain said in another joint statement that the ultimatum that had been given to Qatar is now void, leading to further legal, political and economic measures against the government of Qatar.

“The Qatari government has purposely thwarted all diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis and has rejected any settlements, reflecting its intention to continue with its destabilizing policies against the interests of the Qatari people,” the Arab quartet said in the statement.

They also condemned Qatar’s “lack of tact and respect” towards the Kuwaiti mediation, as it leaked the list of demands in an attempt to condemn the initiative to failure.