Jordan downgrades ties with Qatar

Amman, which also closed the local office of Al Jazeera TV channel, said decision was made to ensure regional stability.

Jordan''s government spokesman Mohammed al-Momani speaks to the media after a closed door meeting of the parliamentary government in the House of Representatives in Amman
Jordan's government spokesman Mohammed Momani said the decision was made to coordinate the policies of Arab countries and "end the crises in our region" [Reuters]

Jordan has announced it is scaling back its diplomatic ties with Qatar and that it will close the Amman office of Doha-based Al Jazeera TV channel.

Jordanian government spokesman Mohammed Momani said in a statement that the decision was made to ensure regional stability, coordinate the policies of Arab countries and “end the crises in our region.”

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Tuesday’s decision came a day after Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain cut ties with Qatar.

The four nations alleged that Qatar harbours “extremists” and backs Saudi Arabia’s regional rival, Iran. Qatar has denied the allegations.

Saudi Arabia is a key financial backer of Jordan.

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Source: News Agencies