7 MB leaders asked to leave Qatar

Sources from the Muslim Brotherhood stated on Saturday that Qatar asked seven Brotherhood leaders to leave the country this week, privately owned Al-Masry Al-Youm reported.

The source told the Turkish Anadulu Agency that the Qatari decision came as a surprise to them, adding that more Brotherhood affiliated figures may be asked to leave Qatar shortly.

The seven are: Mahmoud Hussein, Amr Darrag, Hamza Zawbaa, Wagdy Ghoneim, Gamal Abdel Satta, Essam Taleima and Ahsraf Badr Eddin.

Amr Darrag thanked Qatar for its role in supporting the Egyptian people, saying, "We understand and accept the request to relocate a number of Brotherhood leaders outside the country."

Member of the National Alliance to Support Legitimacy Mostafa al-Badry explained the sudden decision as part of a reconciliation agreement between Gulf countries after the recent visit of several Saudi officials to Qatar.

Badry thanked Qatar for its hospitality throughout the recent period and added that he understands the regional and international pressures the country is facing. He proposed Malaysia and Turkey as alternative destinations for the Brotherhood members.