Trump opposes halting Saudi arms deal after Jamal Khashoggi’s death


Team Udayavani, Oct 21, 2018, 10:02 AM IST

Washington: President Donald Trump has said the US will get to the bottom of the Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi case and asserted he would not like to scrap an arms deal with Riyadh, amid a global outrage over the dissident scribe’s death.

Saudi Arabia in a statement Saturday said Khashoggi (60) died following a “fistfight” at its consulate in Istanbul on October 2, without disclosing any details on the whereabouts of his body.

“It is something that we don’t like. It’s very serious stuff. And we’re going to get to the bottom of it and will make that determination,” Trump told reporters in Nevada on Saturday.

His comment came when asked about his previous statement that he would be considering severe consequences for Saudi Arabia following the journalist’s death.

Trump also said the Congress would have a role to play in it.”We’ll have very much Congress involved in determining what to do,” he said.

Responding to a question, the US president indicated that he would let the Congressmen take lead on the issue of particularly determining the action that needs to be taken against Saudi Arabia.

However, he insisted that he would not like to scrap the mega arms and investment deal, worth USD 450 billion, with Saudi Arabia as this would impact over 6,00,000 jobs in the US.

The president said he is also speaking with states where jobs could be impacted.

Trump said “sanctions” is one of the things that he would consider.

“Could be. Could be. We’re going to find out. We’re going to find out who know what, where and we’ll figure it out,” he said, indicating that things might be clearer by Monday.

“I might know a lot by Monday. I know a lot already. We’re going to know over the next two or three days, we’re going to know a lot. We’re getting a lot of information in as we speak,” he said.

Describing Saudi Arabia as a “great ally”, he said it has also been a tremendous investor in the US 

“They invested, and the jobs are .. we’re right now the largest supplier of energy in the world. We are, the United States. And it happened, and I hate to tell you, over the last 18 months and we’re now the biggest in the world, Trump said.

“But still they’re a major, major supplier. They’re actually number two, and we have to take all of these things into account. Very important, he said.

The president said, “Saudi Arabia has been a great ally of ours. That’s why this is so sad. Look at what goes on in Iran and the viciousness of that regime, and it’s brutal. It’s a brutal regime.” 

“The killing, the horror stories, you hear them and you write about them, very well, I’ve seen you write about them very well. It’s a tough part of the world, there’s no question about it, Trump said.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has said 18 persons have been arrested and an in-depth investigation into the case is being conducted.

“Preliminary investigations… revealed that the discussions that took place between him and the persons who met him… at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul led to a brawl and a fist fight with the citizen, Jamal Khashoggi, which led to his death, may his soul rest in peace,” Saudi Attorney General Sheikh Saud al-Mojeb said in the statement.

However, Top American lawmakers have said the Saudi statement was not credible and demanded action against the Arab nation.

Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.

Top News

Constitution provided roadmap for progress: Delhi HC Chief Justice Manmohan

Independence will be jeopardised if parties place creed above country, says Dhankhar

Adityanath calls for following ideals of Constitution; Akhilesh slams BJP for ‘political duplicity’

Eknath Shinde resigns, asked to act as caretaker chief minister

MUDA case: Karnataka HC adjourns hearing till Dec 10

‘Charges against Adani in bribery case can be withdrawn if deemed unworthy after Trump takes over as President’

Andaman drug seizure: Police trying to get call record of satellite phone

Related Articles More

Will impose 25 per cent tariff on all imports from Canada, Mexico: Trump

Internal divisions leave open question whether Gandhi’s vision will ever be fully realised in India: Bill Clinton

COP29: India rejects new USD 300 billion climate finance deal

Royal tour of India in offing for King Charles, Queen Camilla: Report

Indian-American leaders applaud PM Modi for inclusive growth in India

MUST WATCH

Coconut Flower

Prakash Belawadi

Naxal Leader Vikram Gowda

Christmas Cake Fruit Mixing

DK Shivakumar


Latest Additions

Constitution provided roadmap for progress: Delhi HC Chief Justice Manmohan

Cong seeks to capitalise on Kerala BJP infighting; woos disgruntled leaders

Independence will be jeopardised if parties place creed above country, says Dhankhar

Cong seeks to capitalise on Kerala BJP infighting; woos disgruntled leaders

Adityanath calls for following ideals of Constitution; Akhilesh slams BJP for ‘political duplicity’

Thanks for visiting Udayavani

You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.