Egypt, France focus on countering Qatar's support for terror

PARIS - 27 June 2017: Head of Egypt's popular diplomatic delegation Ahmed Fadali said that meetings with French officials in Paris focused on the necessity of encountering Qatar for backing and financing terrorism in world countries.

In statements to MENA on Tuesday, Fadali said that he felt the deep concern of the French government and parliamentarians over Qatar's hosting of 2022 World Cup, adding that some of them described the matter as "catastrophic".

They also revealed their intention to ask their government not to participate in the tournament if Qatar is the host country, Fadali added.

Fadali stressed the need to work together to reveal Qatar's terrorism to the whole world and to act effectively to stop its schemes in a number of countries.

He went on to say: "It is time to ratchet up pressure on Qatar after it has been proven to be involved in terrorist operations and its financing and full support of terrorist organizations, such as Daesh, Al Nusra, Al Qaeda and others."

He further noted a delegation representing the French government and civil society organizations promised to visit Egypt soon.

Also, a protest will be staged by German, French and Italian citizens in front of the FIFA headquarters in Switzerland to protest at Qatar's hosting of 2022 World Cup.

On Monday, the delegation participated in a demonstration that was held by a number of Arab and French people outside Qatar’s Embassy in Paris.

The Egyptian popular delegation also includes members of parliament Sherif el Werdani, Emad Mahrous, Gamal Allam and a number of public figures and representatives of NGOs.

The protest is organized by the Franco-Egyptian Organization for Human Rights (OFEDH).

The protesters called on FIFA to cancel Qatar's hosting of 2022 World Cup.

The demonstration is meant to deplore Qatar's support of terrorism.

OFEDH President Jean Maher also urged French President Emmanuel Macron to take drastic measures against Qatar over supporting and funding terrorism.