KSA, UAE, Egypt, Bahrain show legality of measures against Qatar at WTO meeting

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain have informed the World Trade Organization (WTO) of the legality of severing diplomatic and consulate ties with Qatar, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
The four countries, which voiced their stance on the sidelines of a WTO meeting in Geneva, said they were practicing their sovereign rights guaranteed by international law and protecting their national security.
The Saudi Ministry of Commerce and Investment said the aim was to show the conformity of the decision by the four countries with WTO systems.
In a joint statement that was read at the meeting, the countries said their measures conform with Article 21 of the General Agreement on Trade in Goods, which states that in emergencies, member countries can take measures deemed necessary to protect their interests and national security.
Article 14 of the Services Agreement and Article 73 of the Intellectual Property Agreement also allow member countries to take measures to protect their national security and stability against violations.