Arab states reject US report on Khashoggi murder

RIYADH: Arab countries and groups expressed their support on Saturday for Saudi Arabia’s rejection of a report to the US Congress on the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Bahrain’s Shoura Council affirmed “the prominent and pivotal role played by Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to lay down the foundations of regional and global security and peace.”

Bahrain’s Foreign Ministry said it rejected anything that infringed the sovereignty of Saudi Arabia. The council also praised diplomatic efforts exerted by Saudi Arabia through its foreign diplomacy in the region and the world, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.

The UAE expressed its confidence in and support for the Saudi judiciary, and the Kingdom’s commitment to enforcing the law with transparency and integrity and to holding those responsible for the murder to account. It affirmed its solidarity with Saudi Arabia in its efforts to maintain stability and security in the region and its key role in maintaining moderation in the Arab world.

The UAE rejected any attempts to exploit the Khashoggi case or interfere in Saudi internal affairs, the ministry said.

Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry stressed the important role played by the Kingdom in supporting moderation and denouncing extremism. It categorically rejected any attempts to infringe Saudi sovereignty.

Oman’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also expressed solidarity with the Kingdom, and said it appreciated the efforts and actions of the competent judicial authorities in the Kingdom.

Oman’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also expressed the Sultanate's solidarity with the Kingdom, saying it appreciated the efforts and actions of the competent judicial authorities in the Kingdom regarding the case and its outcome.

The secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation rejected “the incorrect conclusions” in the US report, which was “devoid of any conclusive evidence.” It also rejected attempts to infringe on the Kingdom’s sovereignty, insult its leadership and compromise the independence of its judiciary.

It expressed support for all judicial measures that were taken against the perpetrators of the murder who were brought to justice.

The Muslim World League (MWL) also affirmed its full support for Saudi Arabia’s statement.

MWL secretary-general Dr. Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa said the league rejects the conclusions of the report and affirmed the confidence of the Muslim world, led by Saudi Arabia, in all measures taken by the Kingdom.

Al-Issa added that the league rejects any interference that affects the Kingdom’s sovereignty. The Arab Parliament affirmed its support for the Saudi statement and expressed its categorical rejection of any infringement of the sovereignty of the Kingdom and the independence of its judiciary.

The parliament stressed the pivotal role that the Kingdom plays in consolidating security and stability in the Arab region and the Middle East and its policy of supporting international peace.

The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Dr. Nayef Falah Mubarak Al-Hajjraf, affirmed his appreciation for the pivotal role the Kingdom plays in enhancing regional and international security and peace, and its great role in combating terrorism and supporting the efforts of the international community in this regard.

Al-Hajraf said the report is nothing more than an opinion that is devoid of any conclusive evidence. He expressed his support for any measures that the Kingdom takes in order to preserve its rights and support its role in promoting a culture of moderation.

Yemen also rejected everything that might affect the sovereignty of the Kingdom and the independence of its judiciary.

Pakistan's foreign ministry said it had noted that the Saudi government termed Khashoggi’s murder as an “abhorrent crime” and a “flagrant violation of the Kingdom’s laws and values.”

“The Saudi government has further underlined that it took all possible measures within its legal system to ensure that the individuals responsible were properly investigated, convicted and sentenced and that justice was served. Pakistan recognizes Saudi efforts in this regard and expresses solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” the ministry said in a statement.

“Pakistan underscores adherence to the rule of law, respect for national sovereignty, and protection and promotion of human rights by all states, in accordance with their respective constitutional frameworks and international obligations,” it added.