White House 'saddened' to hear Saudi journalist Khashoggi's death
The White House said today that it was "saddened" to hear the confirmation of Saudi Arabia's dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi's death, but made no mention of action against the major US ally. Saudi Arabia today said Khashoggi, 60, was killed inside its Consulate in Istanbul after "discussions" at the Consulate devolved into an altercation, which included a fistfight with unidentified men. Here's more.
Saudi Arabia hasn't said anything about Khashoggi's dead body
"We are saddened to hear confirmation of Mr. Khashoggi's death, and we offer our deepest condolences to his family, fiancé, and friends," White House Press Secretary, Sarah Sanders, said. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has not disclosed any details on the whereabouts of his body.
US to closely follow investigation and advocate for justice: Sanders
"The US acknowledges the announcement from Saudi Arabia that its investigation into the fate of Jamal Khashoggi is progressing and that it has taken action against the suspects it has identified thus far," Sanders said. Sanders said the US will continue to closely follow the international investigations into this incident and advocate for justice that is transparent and in accordance with all due process.
Trump calls Saudi Arabia's announcement a 'great first step'
US President Donald Trump said he doesn't think he was lied to by Saudi leaders over the death of Khashoggi. "I think it's a great first step," Trump said on Saudi Arabia's statement which he says he considers credible. As many as 18 people have been taken into custody, according to Saudi officials. An investigation in this regard is on.
Some US lawmakers skeptical over Saudi's statement of Khashoggi's death
The Saudi statement confirming the death of Khashoggi in a fist fight did not appear to be credible for some US lawmakers, who demanded that Saudi be held accountable for the incident. Senator Lindsay Graham said it's hard to find this latest "explanation" as credible.
Saudi should be held accountable: Congressman Adam Schiff
"The claim that Khashoggi was killed while brawling with 15 men dispatched from Saudi isn't credible. If he was fighting with those sent to kill him, it was for his life. The kingdom must be held to account. If (Trump) administration doesn't lead, Congress must," Congressman Adam Schiff said. House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member, Elliott Engel, demanded a full account of what happened.
If Trump doesn't stand up to Saudi, Congress will: Congressman
Congressman Jim Costa said that he's appalled by the reports that Saudi officials were involved in Khashoggi's death. "The US must send a clear message that we'll not condone such reprehensible behavior. We must carefully examine both the facts surrounding Khashoggi's disappearance as well as our relationship with Saudi," Costa said. He asserted that if Trump doesn't stand up to Saudi, the Congress will.
Congressman Swalwell asks about whereabouts of the body of Khashoggi
Talking about the whereabouts of Khashoggi's body, Congressman Eric Swalwell asked, "Where is the body?" "Khashoggi's family deserve immediate custody of the remains as they seek some measure of closure," he added. Khashoggi, who lived in the US as a legal permanent resident and worked for 'The Washington Post', was last seen on October 2 entering his country's Consulate in Istanbul.
