EU demands full probe into death

BrussELs: The EU’s top diplomat Federica Mogherini called for a thorough investigation into the “deeply troubling” death of Saudi critic Jamal Khashoggi and full accountability for those responsible.

The EU statement echoed earlier condemnations from member countries France and Germany after Saudi Arabia admitted that Khashoggi was killed inside its Istanbul consulate.

“The emerging circumstances of Jamal Khashoggi’s death are deeply troubling, including the shocking violation of the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations,” said a statement on Mogherini’s behalf.

“Therefore the European Union, like its partners, insists on the need for continued thorough, credible and transparent investigation, shedding proper clarity on the circumstances of the killing and ensuring full accountability of all those responsible for it,” it added.

The statement alleged the violation of article 55 of the Vienna Convention, which is about the “Respect for the laws and regulations of the receiving State”.

The article added: “The consular premises shall not be used in any manner incompatible with the exercise of consular functions.”

The EU expressed its condolences to Khashoggi’s family and friends and hailed the work of a journalist who had often contacted European institutions. — AFP