UAE: Qatar Sanctions Do Not Violate Global Trade Agreements

The United Arab Emirates states that the sanctions imposed against Qatar do not violate World Trade Organization agreements. According to Reuters, on Friday, Mohammed Al-Kait, an advisor to the UAE Ministry of Economy, said on Wednesday, August 2, "The sanctions imposed by the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain are not in conflict with WTO agreements." Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt severed all political and economic relations with Qatar on June 5 and closed their maritime, air, and land borders with the country. These countries announced that breaking the blockade is only possible by fulfilling 13 specified conditions. However, Qatar rejected these conditions, considering them a violation of its national sovereignty. The closure of Al Jazeera television, severing political ties with Iran, expelling members of the Muslim Brotherhood, and shutting down the Turkish military base in Qatar were among the demands of these countries. In response to the blockade, Qatar officially filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization on Monday and requested "consultation" with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain; these countries have 60 days to resolve the dispute or the case may proceed within the organization. Mohammed Al-Kait responded to Qatar's action by stating that the sanctions align with Articles 21 and 14 of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), which permit such measures in security-related cases. The blockading countries have previously stated that they imposed these sanctions for their national security. Al-Kait also mentioned that WTO agreements do not prohibit member countries from imposing sanctions to protect their fundamental security interests. According to him, WTO treaties also do not prevent countries from adhering to the UN Charter to maintain global peace and security. Qatar has not filed a complaint against the fourth blockading country, Egypt, with the WTO. On July 9, the Qatari government announced that it would establish a committee to seek compensation from the blockading parties. According to Ali bin Fatis Al-Mari, the Public Prosecutor of Qatar, this committee will review complaints from private companies, government institutions, and individuals. The Public Prosecutor emphasized that even if this dispute is resolved, its legal dimensions will continue.