LONDON: Britain, France and Germany on Sunday welcomed efforts by Saudi Arabia and Turkey to probe the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Khashoggi, a Saudi national who had been based in the US, has been missing since Oct. 2, when he visited the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul to secure divorce papers.
In a joint statement, Britain’s foreign minister Jeremy Hunt, his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian and Germany’s Heiko Maas said said it encouraged efforts to investigate Khashoggi’s disappearance.
“We encourage joint Saudi-Turkish efforts in that regard, and expect the Saudi Government to provide a complete and detailed response. We have conveyed this message directly to the Saudi authorities,” the statement said.
The statement also also said whoever was responsible for the disappearance of Khashoggi must be held to account.
“There needs to be a credible investigation to establish the truth about what happened, and — if relevant — to identify those bearing responsibility for the disappearance of Jamal Khashoggi, and ensure that they are held to account,” said the statement.
“Defending freedom of expression and a free press and ensuring the protection of journalists are key priorities for Germany, the United Kingdom and France,” the ministers said in the statement issued by the Foreign Office in London.
“In this spirit, light must be shed on the disappearance of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi,” it said.
Saudi Arabia warned on Sunday it would retaliate against any sanctions imposed on the Kingdom over Khashoggi’s disappearance.
Britain, France and Germany encourage Saudi-Turkish efforts in Khashoggi case
Britain, France and Germany encourage Saudi-Turkish efforts in Khashoggi case
Saudi foreign ministry condemns Iranian drone attack on US embassy in Riyadh
- The embassy issued a shelter in place notice for Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam
RIYADH: A statement from the Saudi foreign ministry on Tuesday condemned Iran’s attack on the United States Embassy building in Riyadh after preliminary assessments indicated two drones targeted the facility.
The Saudi Defense Ministry said eight drones were intercepted and destroyed near Riyadh and Al-Kharj. The incident caused a limited fire and minor material damage to the embassy, with no reported injuries.
Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its right to take all measures to defend itself and its interests, including the right to respond.
Reports from early Tuesday described a loud blast and visible flames at the American embassy, with black smoke rising over Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter, where many foreign missions are located.
The US Embassy issued a security alert for Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam, announcing it would remain closed and that all routine and emergency American Citizen Services appointments were cancelled. The shelter-in-place notice remains active, and American citizens were advised to avoid embassy premises until further notice.
The embassy also urged travelers to review the most recent Security Alerts, reconsider travel plans in case of possible disruptions, and prioritize their safety and that of their families.
