Saudi prince condemns Turkey

cairo - The influential Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman has described Turkey as part of a 'triangle of evil', alongside Iran and inflexible Islamic groups. The successor to the throne accused Turkey of seeking to restore the Islamic caliphate, which disappeared almost a century ago with the collapse of the Ottoman Empire.

Salman's remarks reflect the deep distrust that Saudi Arabia cherishes towards President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose ruling AK party has roots in Islamic politics. Erdogan also chose the side of Qatar in the conflict with the Saudis and some other wave states.

Salman spoke with journalists during a visit to Cairo. 'The contemporary triangle of evil consists of Iran, Turkey and extremist religious groups,' Al-Shorouk quoted him. The dispute with Qatar can, according to the prince, take a long time. He compared the situation with the American embargo imposed on Cuba sixty years ago, but on a much more modest scale. 'Qatar is smaller than a street in Cairo. '