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Economics Minister Robert Habeck with Qatar's Energy Minister Saad Scherida Al-Kaabi (2nd from right)
Photo: Bernd von Jutrczenka / dpa
The World Cup in Qatar focuses on the issue of human rights and dealing with queer people in the country.
Qatar's Energy Minister Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi has now spoken in an interview.
In the conversation with “Bild TV”, which was published on Tuesday, he made allegations against Economics Minister Robert Habeck, criticized Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and commented on how LGBTQ+ people are treated in the country.
"As Muslims, we believe that LGBTQ is not acceptable in our religion," Al-Kaabi told the broadcaster: "Islamic law does not accept LGBTQ." The English abbreviation LGBTQ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer.
»The West wants to dictate to us what it wants«
Al-Kaabi rejected possible changes in dealing with homosexual people in his country as a result of the World Cup.
He rejected international criticism of Qatar's position on this issue.
"The West wants to dictate to us what it wants," he said.
It is demanded »that we as Qataris have to change.
That we have to change our religion, our beliefs.' This is 'unacceptable'.
Al-Kaabi was also asked about the visit to the stadium by Interior Minister Faeser (SPD) with the "One Love" bandage.
“I don't think people welcomed it.
If I'm visiting another country as a government representative and I know that the country is attacked by a specific gesture, then I would respect that,” the minister replied.
He also became clear with regard to Economics Minister Habeck.
The Green politician had visited Qatar in the summer, the reason for the trip was talks about gas supplies from the country.
According to Al-Kaabi, Habeck did not address the issue of human rights.
"When he was here in Qatar, the only thing he talked about was whether we could deliver more gas," Al-Kaabi said.
On Tuesday, Qatar's energy minister finally signed a gas deal that will supply Germany in the future.
From 2026, Qatar will deliver two million tons of LNG liquid gas to Germany every year.
In addition, the Qatari minister accused Habeck of disrespect.
Asked about the statement by the German Economics Minister that hosting the World Cup in Qatar "can only be explained by corruption," he said: "If you accuse someone of corruption, you have to show evidence.
You are legally liable if you say that someone is corrupt.« Habeck should »have more respect for Qatar and the Qatari people«.
asc/AFP
