CAIRO
Dozens of supporters of Egypt's military-backed interim government on Friday demonstrated in central Cairo to call for the expulsion of the Qatari ambassador amid tensions between the two nations.
Gathering outside the headquarters of the state-run Egyptian Radio and Television Union, protesters chanted: "[Qatari] ambassador, you coward, you American agent," and "The people's first demand [is to] close the embassy, kick out the ambassador."
Protesters also condemned the Qatar-owned Al Jazeera news channel, which has been repeatedly accused by Egypt's interim government of bias in favor of ousted president Mohamed Morsi and his supporters.
Qatar had been one of the Morsi administration's closest regional allies during the ousted leader's single year in office.
Since Morsi's ouster last year, Egypt's interim authorities have accused Qatar of interfering in Egypt's domestic affairs, especially after statements by Qatari officials condemning an ongoing crackdown on Morsi supporters by Egyptian security forces.
On Tuesday, Egypt's Foreign Ministry summoned the Qatari charge d'affaires to register its dissatisfaction and urge Qatar to deliver wanted fugitives to justice.
It was the second time for Egypt's military-installed government to summon a Qatari diplomat since last July's ouster of Morsi by the army.
By Nagwa Mustafa
englishnews@aa.com.tr
