GCC backs Qatar in row with Egypt over Libya

Gulf Arab states voiced support for Qatar Thursday in its row with Egypt, which accused Doha of supporting “terrorism” during discussions about Cairo’s air strikes on jihadist targets in Libya, Agence France-Presse reported.

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) secretary general Abdullatif al-Zayani “rejects accusations by Egypt’s permanent envoy at the Arab League that Qatar supports terrorism,” a statement said.

Zayani said the accusations are “unfounded, contradict reality, and ignore the sincere efforts by Qatar as well as the Gulf Cooperation Council and Arab states in combatting terrorism and extremism at all levels.”

Qatar has recalled its ambassador to Egypt over the spat.

Gulf States later issued a statement expressing support for Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi “in all areas.”

In a statement, the Gulf States said Egypt had the right to protect its security following's Cairo's move to bomb ISIS positions in Libya.

“The security of Egypt is part of the Gulf security,” the Gulf Cooperation Council said in its statement.

The Gulf bloc said the situation in the region required “close relationship” between brothers.