Germany ‘regrets’ minister’s claim on Qatar

Berlin: Germany said on Friday it regretted any offence caused to Qatar after a cabinet minister linked the Arab state to financing of militants in Syria and Iraq.

“We regret if there have been any misunderstandings” a foreign ministry spokesman said after the comments by Development Aid Minister Gerd Mueller to a German public broadcaster. On the funding allegations, he said: “I am not aware of such information.”

Mueller, speaking to ZDF about the financing of militant group Isil said: “A story like this always has a history ... Who is financing these troops? Hint: Qatar.” Doha denies supporting the hardline insurgents.