Alwaght- The Emir of Qatar has rejected an invitation by US president to visit the White House amid an escalating diplomatic crisis ignited by US-backed Saudi Arabia among Persian Gulf monarchies.
In a statement, foreign minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has said Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani would not leave the country while it was "in blockade", and therefore could not attend an offered mediation by US President Donald Trump at the White House.
On Monday, Saudi Arabia led its allies including the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt in cutting diplomatic ties with Qatar over claims Doha supports "extremism". The countries also imposed an air, sea and land blockade on Qatar.
Qatar on Friday rejected allegations of supporting individuals and groups blacklisted as "terrorists" by a bloc of Arab neighbors.
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Egypt published a list of 59 people and 12 groups with links to Qatar late on Thursday, alleging that they have ties to "terrorism".
"The recent joint statement issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and the UAE regarding a 'terror finance watch list' once again reinforces baseless allegations that hold no foundation in fact," the Qatari government said in response.
The list included Doha-based Egyptian cleric Yusuf al-Qaradawi as well as Qatari-funded charitable organizations.
The list's release was just the latest escalation in the bloc's efforts to isolate Qatar, as allegations that Doha interferes in the affairs of its neighbors by supporting and financing terrorist groups continue to be levied against it. Qatar has vehemently denied the charges.
