Nabil Fahmy, Minister of Foreign Affairs, said Egypt would take additional steps against Qatar after the ministry summoned the Qatari ambassador to object to the country's interference in Egypt's internal affairs.
Fahmy said in a press statement before leaving for Algeria on Sunday, that he rejected the intereference of Qatar or any other country, even if it is Arab, in Egyptian affairs.
Fahmy pointed out that the Foreign Ministry issued a statement Saturday saying Egypt was serious about its stance and held Qatar responsible for repercussions.
Fahmy said several Gulf states want to give an opportunity for Qatar to correct its track after its leader has been changed through mediating the situation.
There are no clear indicators so far for such a step, he said, but Egypt is always looking for good relations with other countries provided that they do not harm national interests or the dignity of Egyptians.
“Qatar's Friday statement was a jab in the Arab efforts…and their call for patience, change or for giving an additional opportunity,” Fahmy added.
Fahmy denied tensions in Egypt-US relations, stating that Egypt and the US as well as other countries were in contact over the Syrian crisis. He said he would meet with a US delegate in Egypt after his return from Algeria.
Fahmy said the country will move against the press conference the Muslim Brotherhood plans to hold in London next Monday.
The Foreign Ministry has made arrangements for the referendum on the draft constitution, he said, adding that the ministry abides by the decisions of the High Elections Commission.
Cancelling postal voting was the decision of the elections commission, Fahmy pointed out.
Regarding his visit to Algeria, Fahmy said that it aimed to foster relations with friendly Arab states. Fahmy added that he would discuss a number of international and regional issues, as well as bilateral relations between the two countries, especially those linked to the economic and security situation.
The visit also seeks to lay the groundwork for forming a bilateral committee between Egypt and Algeria, which would be followed by other steps toward the Arab Maghreb.
Qatar had officially condemned the use of force by security in Egypt against protesting supporters of toppled President Mohamed Morsy, who was enthusiastically supported by Qatar.
Morsy opponents accuse the Qatari Al-Jazeera Channel of biased coverage favoring the Muslim Brotherhood. Egypt closed the Al-Jazeera bureau in Cairo and has recently arrested members of its English service.
Egypt returned a Qatari deposit in protest of the kingdom's stance on the political situation.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
