UAE recalls envoy to Sweden over diplomatic spat
The United Arab Emirates has recalled its ambassador from Sweden over a diplomatic row sparked by Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom’s criticism of Saudi Arabia.
The UAE Foreign Affairs Ministry announced the decision in a statement on Wednesday, a week after Saudi Arabia recalled its ambassador to Sweden over Wallstrom’s criticism of the kingdom over its human rights and democracy record.
The statement said that the ambassador was recalled "in the wake of offending remarks by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden."
The ministry also condemned Wallstrom’s “strong statements,” adding that they “violate the principle of sovereignty upon which the normal relations between countries are based," and "do not respect the religious and cultural particularities of states and communities."
It added that a complaint had been lodged with Sweden's ambassador to the UAE, Jan Thesleff.
Back in February, during a parliamentary speech about arms sales to the country, Wallstroem referred to the Persian Gulf state as a "dictatorship" that violates women's rights and whips bloggers.
Last week, Sweden severed military ties with Saudi Arabia after its foreign minister accused Riyadh of blocking her from making a speech at the Arab League meeting over human rights.
A Swedish Foreign Ministry spokesman said that his country regrets the UAE’s decision.
"But one should bear in mind that Saudi Arabia and UAE have specially close relations, so we should perhaps not draw any exaggerated conclusions from this," Erik Boman said.
SRK/AS/MHB
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