Trab considers Saudi Arabia's explanation as "reliable" for journalist's death

US President Donald Trump said the Saudi authorities' explanation of the circumstances in which journalist Jamal Kashiy was killed at the Sunni Kingdom consulate in Istanbul was credible.

Trab told reporters that the announcement of the death of the Washington Post's partner by Riyadh was a "good first step," a "big step." He also stressed that he would prefer that sanctions imposed by the US government in Saudi Arabia do not include the cancellation of large orders for weapons or ammunition systems.

When asked if he finds the explanation of Kasagi's death "trustworthy", Trab replied "yes, yes".

"Again, it's still early, they have not finished our badessment or our research yet, but I think it's a very important step," added the US president, referring to the Kingdom announcement.

On the other hand, however, several members of the US Congress expressed deep skepticism about the Saudi prosecutor's statement that there would be a "skirmish" between Casagi and the people he met with the consulate and that resulted in his death.

Earlier, the White House had said in a press release that it would continue to "press" for "justice" after Saudi Arabia announced this "tragic event".

"We are sorry (…) to confirm the death of Mr. Casagi and to express our deepest condolences to his family, his fiancée and his friends," said the press release distributed by the spokesperson from the US presidency, Sarah Hakabi Sanders.

Sources: AMP, Reuters, AFP

Last updated: Saturday, October 20, 2018, 4:45 am