UAE Blocks Qatar Complaint at WTO

The United Arab Emirates on Monday blocked a request at a World Trade Organization meeting from Qatar, which had asked the trade body to rule on the economic boycott imposed on the nation by other Arab countries including the UAE. “The UAE said a formal WTO dispute settlement process was not in order. For the reason that its actions against Qatar were based on national security considerations and therefore in line with international trade rules,” a Geneva trade official said, dpa reported. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt severed diplomatic, trade and transportation ties with Qatar in June, accusing Doha of supporting and funding terrorists. The quartet has not only demanded that Qatar cut its links with terrorists, but that it also downgrade ties with Iran. Qatar had complained that these moves amount to coercive measures to isolate its economy. According to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Egypt backed the UAE at the WTO meeting.