Qatar’s foreign minister accuses German government of “double standards” for dead and dozens injured in cluster munitions attack in Syria

Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani accused Berlin of “double standards” in the “Frankfurter Allgemeine” (Monday issue). On the one hand, “the German population is being misinformed by government politicians”. On the other hand, the government has no problem with Qatar when it comes to energy partnerships or the rescue of German citizens from Afghanistan.

“If we organize a football World Cup, enjoy this moment and celebrate together with the German team, then suddenly different standards apply,” said the foreign minister of the Gulf state.

The resentment in Doha was fueled by statements by Interior Secretary Nancy Faeser (SPD), who had demanded, among other things, security guarantees for the LGBTQ community from the World Cup host. “With all due respect, these were not necessary at all,” al-Thani said of Faeser’s statements. “We have repeatedly reiterated from the highest level that everyone is welcome and that no one is discriminated against.”

The English abbreviation LGBTQ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer. Homosexuality is a criminal offense in Qatar.

It is “unfortunate when politicians try to distinguish themselves internally and score points at our expense,” al-Thani said. Qatar has always been open to constructive criticism. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Doha, Qatar summoned the German ambassador to Doha at the end of October because of Faeser’s critical statements about the human rights situation in the emirate. (sda/afp)