Riyadh rejects US report on Khashoggi: UAE stands by Saudi Arabia
UAE, BAHRAIN, KUWAIT, OIC AND GCC CHIEF STAND BY SAUDI ARABIA
Saudi Arabia has rejected completely “the negative, false and unacceptable” assessment of a US intelligence report released on the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
“The government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia completely rejects the .... assessment in the report pertaining to the Kingdom’s leadership, and notes that the report contained inaccurate information and conclusions,” the Saudi Foreign Ministry said.
Khashoggi was murdered on October 20, 2018, after a fistfight broke out at the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul, Saudi Arabia’s public prosecutor had said at the time. He was visiting the consulate to complete paperwork related to his divorce.At the time, Saudi Arabia arrested 18 Saudis for investigation.
“The crime was committed by a group of individuals that have transgressed all pertinent regulations... and the kingdom’s leadership took the necessary steps to ensure that such a tragedy never takes place again,” the Saudi foreign ministry statement added.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms that the partnership between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America is a robust and enduring partnership,” the statement said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the UAE’s rejection of any attempts to exploit the case or interfere in Saudi internal affairs.
OIC statement
Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) chief Dr. Yousuf Bin Ahmad Al Othaimeen has affirmed his support for the statement issued by the Saudi Ministry. He stressed categorical rejection of the incorrect inductions cited in the report, which has no decisive proof, affirming the rejection of prejudice and abuse to Saudi Arabia’s leadership, sovereignty and independence of its judiciary.
The Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation (GCC) Council Nayef Al Hajraf expressed his support for the statements made by Saudi Arabia
UAE’s confidence
The UAE expressed its support for the Saudi foreign ministry’s statement.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation expressed its confidence in and support for the Saudi judiciary, as well as Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enforcing the law with transparency and integrity, and holding those responsible to account. The Ministry affirmed the UAE’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia in its efforts to maintain stability and security in the region and its key role in the axis of Arab moderation and security.
Bahrain also expressed its support. “Bahrain expresses its rejection of anything that would undermine the sovereignty of Saudi Arabia,” it said.
Policy of moderation
“Bahrain emphasises the importance of the fundamental role of Saudi Arabia under the leadership of King Salman and his crown prince, its policy of moderation regionally, in the Arab region, and internationally, its efforts to enhance regional security and stability, and promote global economic development,” Manama said
Kuwait also said it supports the Saudi government’s rejection of the report. Saudi Arabia plays an important role regionally and internationally in its rejection of violence and extremism, the ministry said. Kuwait also rejects any remark that might affect Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty.