The 'sectarian' logic of Saudi Arabia pointed out

(BRUSSELS2) The draft report on “ Saudi Arabia, its relations with the Union and its role in the Middle East and North Africa sparked heated debate in the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee today (5 December). Prepared by Ana Gomes (S&D/Portugal), it recalls, in fact, certain truths bluntly about the Gulf country, not hesitating to point the finger at its role in the Syrian conflict, its support for certain religious practices in Africa or a certain lack of freedoms in the Kingdom. The rapporteur is well aware that this is " of a first version » and that the task is difficult for « lth first (report) that the Parliament makes on Saudi Arabia ». Read...

Syria: sectarian logic of Saudi Arabia

The draft report urges Saudi Arabia to refrain from acting according to a narrow sectarian logic characteristic of a zero-sum game” in Syria. He hopes, on the contrary, that the Kingdom can " contribute to a peaceful and inclusive outcome, including by supporting the Geneva II talks, without setting preconditions” and also invites him " to participate more actively in humanitarian aid actions intended for the victims of the civil war in Syria ».

NB: a point raised mezzo vocce by the European Commission's humanitarian aid specialists who underline the low financial effort in general of the Gulf countries on the Syrian crisis.

Criticism of the strategy applied to the Middle East 

It is the same " zero-sum game logic which is doomed in the Middle East. Because " it fuels mistrust, sectarian hatreds and the arms race in the region, including the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction”. The sale of arms to countries in the region (including Saudi Arabia) by some Member States (uncited) is criticized for its " destabilizing effect ". For the parliamentarians, a solution for the region's insecurity could go through " the establishment of a common security framework from which no country is excluded, and which takes into account the legitimate security interests of all countries ».

Saudi ambiguity in Africa 

A real fear is expressed in the draft report in the face of the " financial and political support provided by the Kingdom to certain religious and political groups in North Africa ". This support could translate by strengthening fundamentalist and obscurantist movements that undermine efforts to establish democratic governance and oppose women's participation in public life ».

NB: a delicate point indeed. Aid from the Kingdom to certain countries is often conditional on the application of Sharia, or stricter religious rules. B2 echoed this indirectly during his visit to Djibouti.

The end of interference in Mali

For Mali, it is not direct action by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that is called into question but the "laissez-faire" in the face of the support given by the Salafist movements to the operations directed against the Malian State by rebel groups. , which are destabilizing the entire region”. The text " urges the Saudi authorities to act to put an end to it" and "condemns any form of interference, direct or indirect ».

Egypt's unconditional support for the coup

In the concrete case of Egypt, the concern comes from " the unconditional political and financial support given to the leaders of the military coup in Egypt ". Because he " undermines EU action to promote a peaceful and inclusive political solution to the Egyptian crisis ».