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Maldives backs Saudi Arabia over case of missing journalist

16 October 2018, MVT 16:42
This video grab made on October 10, 2018 from CCTV footage obtained from Turkish news agency DHA shows Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi (R) arriving at the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul on October 2, 2018 - Khashoggi, a Washington Post contributor, vanished on October 2 after entering the consulate to obtain official documents ahead of his marriage to his Turkish fiancee. Government sources said at the weekend that police believed Khashoggi was killed by a team specially sent to Istanbul, thought to consist of 15 Saudis. But Riyadh insisted the 59-year-old journalist had left the building and the murder claims were "baseless". (Photo by - / Demiroren News Agency / AFP) / - Turkey OUT / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / DHA" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS
16 October 2018, MVT 16:42

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a press release on Monday, expressing solidarity for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia over the disappearance of Saudi journalist, Jamal Khashoggi.

"The Government of Maldives strongly rejects any attempts to undermine the sovereignty of any country, whether by threatening to impose sanctions or by putting political pressure towards reaching a political objective," the press release reads.

The statement refers to threats of severe sanctions posed by US President Donald Trump in the event that the Saudi government is proven to have ordered the assassination of Khashoggi, a staunch critic of Riyadh, who had been living in self-exile in America.

Khashoggi was last seen on October 2, entering Saudi Arabia’s consulate in Istanbul to obtain personal documents.

According to Turkish authorities, Khashoggi was interrogated and murdered by a 15-man team of Saudi agents, who had flown to Turkey on two private jets owned by a company closely related to King Salman.

However, Saudi dismissed all accusations.

The press release also expressed confidence that the Saudi government will comply with international laws and conventions.

The Foreign Ministry commended Riyadh for its role in ensuring peace and security in the region and condemned threats to the sovereignty of any nation.

In addition to causing a diplomatic feud between Saudi Arabia and Turkey, the disappearance has also impacted the Saudi stock market with a seven percent drop in stocks experienced on October 14.

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