Russia is reducing the level of diplomatic ties with Qatar after the incident with Russian ambassador, Interfax reports.
Vladimir Titorenko, Russian Ambassador to Qatar, was attacked by security services and customs officers of the International Airport of Doha on November 29. The Qatar officers tried to take away his package with diplomatic mail. The ambassador and two diplomats meeting him on the arrival were injured.
The Russian Foreign Ministry filed a protest note to Qatar on November 30, emphasizing on the outrageous violations of the international law. The note demands Qatar to appologize for the incident, punish officers and prevent such incidents in the future.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had a telephone conversation with Hamad bin Kasem Al Thani, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar, on December 4.
Ambassador Vladimir Titorenko will leave Qatar after treatment.
Moscow and Doha signed agreements within the framework of the forum of gas-exporting states in November. Russia offered Qatar proposals on gas exports to Europe. Russia also offered Qatar a share in developing the Yamal reserves (the NOVATEK part). In exchange, Russia wants Qatar to avoid expansion in the European market. The incident may ruin agreements reached.
