CNN
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Qatar’s Foreign Ministry summoned German Ambassador Claudius Fischbach on Friday following recent comments by Interior Minister Nancy Faeser regarding the Gulf state’s hosting of the 2022 World Cup.
A statement from Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said Fischbach had received a note of objection, expressing the Gulf nation’s disappointment as well as complete rejection and condemnation of the remarks made by German Federal Interior Minister Faeser. .
In an interview Thursday with CNN’s German affiliate ARD, Faeser stressed that the awarding of major sporting events such as the next World Cup should be tied to criteria, “namely respect for human rights. ‘man and the principles of sustainability’.
Faeser also said she wanted to hear civil society’s opinion on progress, ARD reported.
Qatar’s foreign ministry has also asked for clarification on the remarks, he added.
“The remarks made by the minister ahead of her official visit to Doha next week were contrary to diplomatic norms and conventions, especially in light of the distinguished ties between the State of Qatar and Germany in all areas,” the official said. communicated.
The 2022 World Cup will kick off on November 20 and run until December 18 in the Gulf state.
However, Qatar’s hosting of the tournament has been plagued with controversy.
The Guardian reported last year that 6,500 migrant workers had died in the country in the 10 years since Qatar’s successful bid to host the tournament in 2010, most of whom were involved in low-paid and dangerous work. , often performed in extremely hot conditions.
The report – “categorically” denied by tournament organizers – did not link the 6,500 deaths to World Cup infrastructure projects and has not been independently verified by CNN.
Qatar has also faced criticism for the country’s anti-LGBTQ laws.
Earlier this week, British LGBTQ activist Peter Tatchell protested alone outside the National Museum of Qatar.
“I made this protest to highlight Qatar’s violations of the rights of LGBT people, women and migrant workers,” Tatchell’s foundation said in a statement.
“I stood in solidarity with the courageous Qatari human rights defenders who cannot make their voices heard due to the risk of arrest, imprisonment and torture.”