Qatar Rejects Accusation It Sent Weapons to Libya
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Qatar denied an accusation by Libyan Prime Minister Abdullah al-Thinni that it sent three military aircraft loaded with weapons to a Tripoli airport controlled by an armed opposition group.
In a statement to Qatar's news agency (QNA), Assistant Foreign Minister for Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi described the allegation as misleading and unfounded.
"The policy of the State of Qatar is based on clear and consistent foundations: mutual respect and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries," said the statement.
Analysts say Libya is turning into a conflict zone for competing regional powers as the country faces the prospect of becoming a failed state or even civil war three years after the ousting of Muammar Gaddafi.
Qatar helped bankroll rebels who ousted Gaddafi, and it continues to be an ally of Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamist movement with a following in many Muslim countries including ties to the opposition group now controlling Tripoli, Reuters reported.
Rumaihi said Thinni should check the accuracy of his information before releasing public statements, something that was particularly important since Thinni had not said anything about "the bombing of his country and its citizens recently".
This is a reference to an assertion by the United States that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) bombed positions held by opposition fighters in Libya days before those forces seized the capital last month.
