Qatar said there is “no legitimate justification” for several nations cutting diplomatic ties after Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, Bahrain, Yemen and the Maldives announced they would suspend relations with the Gulf state.

The Saudi kingdom made the announcement via its state-run Saudi Press Agency early on Monday, saying it was taking action for what it called the protection of national security.

The news agency released a statement in which it accused Qatar of “harbouring a multitude of terrorist and sectarian groups that aim to create instability in the region”.

READ MORE: Leaders and markets react to Gulf diplomatic rift

Reacting to the fallout, Qatar explained that the decision was in “violation of its sovereignty”, vowing to its citizens and hundreds of thousands of residents that the measures would not affect them.

“The measures are unjustified and are based on claims and allegations that have no basis in fact,” the statement said, adding that the decisions would “not affect the normal lives of citizens and residents.

“The aim is clear, and it is to impose guardianship on the state. This by itself is a violation of its [Qatar’s] sovereignty as a state,” it added.

more:   http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/06/qatar-justification-cutting-diplomatic-ties-170605073154112.html