Qatar should keep Arab security in mind: Egypt

cairo — Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shukri said that the ball is in Qatar’s court, and that it has to choose between maintaining the Arab security or continuing to undermine it in favour of external forces.

“This stalemate continues as the 10 days given to Qatar by the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt to respond to the demands, nears its end,” he added.

Qatar must choose clearly and without any ambiguity, whether to be a party that protects and safeguards Arab security, and maintains stability in the region.

“It should decide if it wants to continue its failed attempt to destabilise the region, undermine Arab security in favour of external powers or rogue groups rejected by the Arab communities and peoples,” Shukri was quoted as saying by the Egyptian official news agency, Middle East News Agency.

So much so that he has lost all interest in looking to travel there.

“I hate to talk politics, but I do not agree with any of these new rules. It won’t affect me though because I will not travel to the US again. I’m not interested in the country anymore,” he said.

And Iranian expatriate Farhad Katrahmani agreed, yet said he feels torn as he has family all over the US.

“I have relatives, including cousins, and very close friends in the States. Now hopes of going to visit them have been thrown into darkness because of these new rules. However, I’m not that keen on travelling to the country anyway.”

He said he’d rather look to travel to alternative destinations that will welcome him with open arms. But he does feel empathy for his fellow countrymen with ties to the US.

“This new decision will affect people from my country. Many people go there for holidays, sport, and many for medical procedures, but now this obstacle has been put in place. In 2017, I think it is ridiculous and I don’t agree with it.” Flights operating as normal

Emirates — which flies to 12 US cities — said its flights to the United States were “operating as per normal” after US officials announced new restrictions on travel.

“Our flights to the US are operating as per normal. All passengers must possess the appropriate travel documents, including a valid US entry visa, in order to travel. Emirates remains guided by the US Customs and Border Protection on this matter,” an Emirates spokeswoman said in a statement.

Etihad Airways continues to accept nationals with valid travel documentation from the six listed countries, a spokesman said in a statement. “Acceptance, as per standard procedure, is subject to checks completed by US authorities at the preclearance facility at Abu Dhabi airport.”

— kelly@khaleejtimes.com

i have relatives, including cousins, and very close friends in the States. now hopes of going to visit them have been thrown into darkness because of these new rules