New search in missing writer case
Trump denies covering for Saudis on journalist, says truth will be out soon
ISTANBUL — Turkish investigators searched the Saudi consulate in Istanbul overnight as part of a probe into Jamal Khashoggi’s disappearance, while US President Donald Trump said he did not want to abandon his Saudi ally over the missing journalist.
The crime scene team left the Saudi consulate early on Thursday after searching the building and consular vehicles, a witness said. They used bright lights to illuminate the garden, although it was unclear what they were doing.
Earlier, investigators spent nearly nine hours in the Saudi consul’s residence before leaving, as did Saudi investigators. The search by the Turkish team included the roof and garage and the deployment of a drone over the area.
Turkish officials have said they believe Khashoggi, a critic of the Riyadh, was murdered at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on Oct 2 and his body removed. The Saudis have denied the allegations.
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he was waiting for a full report on what had happened to Khashoggi from US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, whom he sent to Saudi Arabia and Turkey to meet officials over Khashoggi’s disappearance. Trump and Pompeo are scheduled to meet at 10 am on Thursday.
Trump on Wednesday denied covering up for Saudi Arabia in the suspected murder of Khashoggi.
“No, not at all, I just want to find out what’s happening,” Trump told reporters in the White House when asked if his consistently cautious approach to the scandal amounts to a cover-up. “I’m not giving cover at all.”
The president, who has forged closer ties with Saudi Arabia, said the United States has asked Turkey for any audio or video evidence.
Turkish sources have told Reuters the authorities have an audio recording indicating Khashoggi was killed inside the consulate. He has not been seen since entering the building.
Turkey’s Yeni Safak newspaper published on Wednesday what it said were details from audio recordings that purported to document Khashoggi’s torture and interrogation.
Turkey has not shared with the US government or European allies graphic audio or video evidence, seven US and European security officials said.
A New York Times report cited a senior Turkish official confirming the details published by Yeni Safak. Two Turkish government officials contacted by Reuters declined to confirm the report.
US media outlets have reported that Riyadh, despite its earlier denials of involvement, will acknowledge that Khashoggi was killed in a botched interrogation. Trump has speculated without providing evidence that “rogue killers” could be responsible.
Meanwhile, French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire added his name to a growing list of government ministers and business executives canceling their attendance at a Saudi Arabia investment conference over the fate of Khashoggi.
Asked if the move might jeopardize bilateral relations, Le Maire said: “Absolutely not.”
arrive at the residence of Saudi Arabia’s Consul General Mohammad al-Otaibi in Istanbul, Turkey, on Wednesday.