France denies receiving Khashoggi tapes from Turkey and accuses Erdogan of playing games

President Erdogan claimed tapes related to the killing of Jamal Khashoggi had been handed to France and several other countries. (File/AFP)
Updated 12 November 2018
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France denies receiving Khashoggi tapes from Turkey and accuses Erdogan of playing games

  • Erdogan on Saturday said France, Germany and Britain had been handed the tapes
  • Le Drian said Erdogan has a 'political game to play in these circumstances'

LONDON: France on Monday denied being in possession of recordings related to the killing of Jamal Khashoggi and accused Turkey of playing political games with the case.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday that France, Germany and Britain had been handed the tapes, but French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said this was not the case, as far as he knew.

“If the Turkish president has information to give to us, he must give it to us,” Le Drian told French TV. “That means he has a political game in this situation.” 

Khashoggi, a Saudi national living in the United States, was killed in the Kingdom’s Istanbul consulate last month.

Saudi Arabia said the 59-year-old had been murdered at the mission in a “rogue” operation by people operating beyond their authority. Eighteen Saudis have been arrested in connection with his death.


Minzal returns to celebrate heritage of historic Diriyah

Updated 5 sec ago
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Minzal returns to celebrate heritage of historic Diriyah

RIYADH: The Minzal program, part of this year’s Diriyah Season, celebrates the rich natural and cultural heritage of historic Diriyah, where history meets nature.

Overlooking Wadi Safar, the largest tributary of Wadi Hanifah, the program offers an experience inspired by traditional life and authentic Saudi hospitality.

Open daily from 5 p.m. until midnight, Minzal showcases Diriyah’s traditions through heritage storytelling, scenic views, poetry and traditional cuisine, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Running until Feb. 14, the event features horseback riding, falconry, archery, astronomy, and a selection of international restaurants, cafes and retail outlets.

Spread across four main zones highlighting Diriyah’s historical and cultural significance, visitors can enjoy the “Al-Uloom” experience for leather-working, carpet-weaving and wood-working, and the “Sloom” experience for Saudi coffee, desert plants, fire-lighting, camel-milking and tent-making.

The “Faris Al-Badiyah” experience offers horse-riding and archery, while the “Falconry” experience teaches the art of hunting with Arabian falcons.

The “Al-Mushrif” zone provides stargazing under Diriyah’s clear skies, creating a serene atmosphere amid the natural surroundings.

Diriyah Season serves as a global destination for history enthusiasts, offering journeys through heritage sites that once formed the political and cultural center of the region, the SPA reported.

The program combines Najdi authenticity with innovative designs and international standards, reflecting the values and vision of historic Diriyah alongside the Kingdom’s modern development.