German envoy postpones trip to Qatar amid World Cup row | WGN 720 Radio

BERLIN (AP) — Germany’s human rights envoy said Sunday she is postponing an official visit to Qatar after the Gulf nation reacted angrily to comments made by the German government in recent days.

Qatar summoned Germany’s ambassador on Friday over remarks by German Interior Minister Nancy Feiser, who appeared to criticize the decision to award the World Cup to the Gulf nation over human rights abuses. Qatar has faced severe international scrutiny over its treatment of migrant workers and its criminalization of homosexual relations.

“The events of this weekend have shown me how difficult it is in the current situation before the World Cup to have the open and critical conversation I planned with the government of Qatar,” said Louise Amtsberg, Germany’s human rights representative.

Amtsberg, who was due to accompany Feiser on a visit to Qatar on Monday, said she would make the visit later.

“Recognizing Qatar’s growing role as a regional and global actor, international pressure and our efforts to protect human rights will remain paramount even after the World Cup,” she said.

Faeser, whose portfolio includes sports, still plans to travel to Qatar with a delegation from the German soccer federation.