Mauritania “Expels” Qatari Emir

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Media sources in Mauritania reported on Monday that the recent visit to the country by the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, “ended with his expulsion from the country.” The Mauritanian Siraj newspaper conveyed the official visit had concluded without a formal farewell by the Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, who was seen greeting warmly his guest upon his arrival to the country last Thursday.

The sources said that Mauritanian President felt displeasure when his guest urged him to launch democratic reforms, through the extension of freedoms, adoption of “effective” economic policy and cooperating with the Islamic reformist movement.

According to the report, Ould Abdel Aziz understood Sheikh Hamad’s remarks as criticism towards his policies, considering the Qatari Emir’s advice as an “interference in internal affairs.” The paper said the Qatari leader also urged the President of Mauritania to help put pressure on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

On His part, the Mauritanian leader claimed Qatar’s policies have promoting revolts, mainly through the Doha-based Al Jazeera TV channel. The newspaper quoted Ould Abdel Aziz as telling the Qatari sheikh: “These are not revolts, these are conspiracies”.

The newspaper added Mauritanian television cameramen were not allowed to film the Qatari delegation departure ceremony because the Mauritanian Minister of Foreign Affairs was at the airport and not the President.

It should be noted that during the visit the two countries signed agreements and protocols of agreement in the legal, judicial and labor fields. In addition, they signed a protocol agreement on cooperation in tourism, industry, agriculture and media.

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One thought on “Mauritania “Expels” Qatari Emir

  • January 17, 2012 at 11:09 pm
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    A big well done to Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz! how can our emir Hamad promote democratic reforms in other coutries, i mean if you’re preaching democracy and other principles, why don’t you apply them in your own yard back in Qatar.
    Duncan, Qatar National Bank

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