Saudis reject threat over missing writer

TRUMP WARNS OF PUNISHMENT

SAUDI Arabia has warned it will respond to any “threats” against it following President Donald Trump’s warning of “severe punishment” over the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Mr Trump made a point of visiting the kingdom on his first overseas trip as president and has touted arms sales to Saudi Arabia.

But the kingdom is under mounting pressure as concern grows over the fate of the veteran journalist, who has not been seen since he entered the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul on October 2.

“The kingdom affirms its total rejection of any threats and attempts to undermine it, whether through economic sanctions, political pressure or repeating false accusations,” the kingdom’s statement said.

“The kingdom also affirms that if it is [targeted by] any action, it will respond with greater action.”

The statement came after the Tadawul stock exchange in Riyadh dropped by 7% at one point during the week’s first day of trading.

Turkish officials say they fear Saudi agents killed and dismembered Mr Khashoggi, saying they have audio and video recordings of it. The kingdom has called the allegations “baseless”, but has offered no evidence the writer ever left the consulate.

In an interview aired yesterday, Mr Trump that the consequences of Saudi Arabia being involved would be “severe”.