Canada seeks clarity in row with Saudi

OTTAWA: Canada is “seriously concerned” about Saudi Arabia’s freeze of new trade between the countries, but standing its ground on human rights comments which set off a diplomatic row, a Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said.

“Canada will always stand up for the protection of human rights, very much including women’s rights, and freedom of expression around the world,” she said

Saudi Arabia also suspended educational exchange programmes with Canada and moving Saudi scholarship recipients there to other countries, Al Arabiya TV reported. — Reuters