Special to WorldTribune.com

ABU DHABI — Qatar has been struggling with rumors that Iran and
Syria ordered the torching of a mall in which 13 people were killed.

The Gulf Cooperation Council emirate has denied reports that Iran and
Syria targeted a major shopping mall in Qatar.

The reports said several mall executives were arrested in an investigation of sabotage.

“There is no truth to the claim disseminated by foreign media that the
Villaggio fire was a masterminded act,” the Qatar Interior Ministry said on June 4.

The ministry has insisted that the mall blaze on May 28 was an accident. But at least one report asserted that a Lebanese employee was arrested on suspicion that he was ordered to lock the emergency exits of the mall before starting the fire.

Qatar, with a major U.S. military presence, has been deemed a leading
opponent of the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad. Gulf sources said those close to the emir were transferring tens of millions of dollars to finance the Shi’ite revolt against Assad.

Crown Prince Tamim Bin Hamad has sought to dampen the furor in wake of
the mall fire, the victims of which were identified as Western nationals.
Tamim has visited families of the casualties and pledged a complete
investigation.

“We thank the Interior Ministry for denying the allegations that the
blaze was premeditated,” Sadiq Mohammed Al Amari, editor of the Qatari daily
Al Raya, said.

  Crown Prince Tamim Bin Hamad, fire victims identified as Western nationals, Qatar denies Iran, Syria retaliation in mall fire that killed Western nationals, Villaggio Mall fire