Qatar foreign minister calls blockade a violation of international law

Qatar's foreign minister on Friday described Arab powers' "blockade" of his country as a violation of international law and said there was an attempt to mobilise international opinion against the Gulf emirate.

"These procedures that were taken have clear violations of international law and international humanitarian law,"Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani told a joint news conference with his German counterpart during a visit to Germany

"They will not have a positive impact on the region but a negative one," he added.

Four Arab states that cut ties with Qatar this week over its alleged support of terrorism on Friday designated as terrorists dozens of people with alleged links to Qatar, intensifying a row that threatens the region's stability.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt and Bahrain branded as terrorists 59 people, including Muslim Brotherhood spiritual leader Yousef al-Qaradawi.

Their joint statement also listed 12 entities, among them Qatari-funded charities Qatar Charity and Eid Charity, as having terrorist links.