Saudi Arabia condemns US Senate 'interference'

International Desk: Saudi Arabia has denounced US Senate resolutions to end US military aid for a Riyadh-led war in Yemen and to blame the country's crown prince for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

The Saudi foreign ministry described the move as "interference" based on "untrue allegations".

Thursday's US resolutions are largely symbolic and unlikely to become law.
But they sent a warning to President Donald Trump about US lawmakers' anger towards Saudi policies.

In a statement carried by the official Saudi Press Agency, the Saudi foreign ministry said: "The kingdom condemns the latest position of the US Senate."
It said that such a position "was built on untrue allegations and affirms a total rejection of any interference in its internal affairs".

The US has so far not publicly responded to the Saudi statement.

Thursday's vote was the first time any chamber of US Congress had agreed to pull US forces from a military conflict under the 1973 War Powers Act.

Some of President Trump's fellow Republicans defied him to pass the measure with Democrats by 56-41.

The non-binding resolution called upon Mr Trump to remove all American forces engaging in hostilities in Yemen, except for those combating Islamist extremists.

The Senate then unanimously passed a resolution blaming Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for Washington Post reporter Jamal Khashoggi's murder in October, and insisting that the kingdom hold accountable those responsible.

The US chose to cease refuelling Saudi war planes last month, and Thursday's resolution - if it were ultimately passed into law - would prohibit that practice from resuming.

Source: BBC


risingbd/Dec 17, 2018/Mukul