Libya's eastern gov't cuts diplomatic ties with Qatar

TRIPOLI - Libya's eastern-based government on Monday announced cutting diplomatic ties with Qatar.

Libya's decision shortly followed decisions of UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Yemen to cut diplomatic relations with Qatar due to its "interference in domestic affairs and support of terrorism."

Qatar has been accused of supporting terrorist groups as well as the Muslim Brotherhood in many countries of the Arab spring, including Libya.

Libyan army commander Gen. Khalifa Haftar last week accused Qatar of financially supporting terrorist groups in Libya.

Libyan National Committee for Human Rights on Sunday also called for a comprehensive international investigation into Qatar's interference in Libya's internal affairs and financial and military support for extremist groups and organizations in the country.

Libya remains politically divided despite signing a UN-sponsored peace agreement by the rival parties and appointing a unity government. The North African country is plagued with insecurity and unrest with presence of numerous extremist groups.