"The Worst Cover Up Ever": US President Donald Trump called the Saudi leadership's efforts to downplay the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi following a visit to the consulate in Istanbul. Meanwhile, Riad has admitted the violent death of Khashoggi, the circumstances, however, have not been clarified beyond doubt. According to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the journalist was "brutally murdered" (read more here).
However, he did not present any concrete evidence. The case is still more than three weeks after the fact still a central theme of international politics. What consequences does Saudi Arabia have to expect? An overview of the most important questions.
Who is investigating Khashoggi now?
The Turkish authorities have been investigating Khashoggi's disappearance since the disappearance. Especially heavy weigh a tape recording of the alleged murder, which should be in the possession of the Turkish authorities. However, the existence of the recording is not yet proven.
During the investigations, Turkish investigators also searched the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul - shortly before, however, a cleaning team had accumulated, walls were repainted. Nevertheless, the Turkish investigators are there still have secured DNA material. The remains of Khashoggi were searched for in a forest near Istanbul. According to media reports, Khashoggi's personal belongings were found in a diplomatic vehicle.
Video: Erdogan comments on the Khashoggi case
Video
REUTERS / Presidential Press Office
The US and Saudi Arabia are also investigating. According to Turkish media reports, CIA chief Gina Haspel is said to have been brought to market by local investigators. The pro-government newspaper "Sabah" reported that the Turkish intelligence service MIT had shown Haspel "video and audio recordings" during a visit to Ankara and discussed the evidence gathered with them.
What impact does the case have on arms exports to Saudi Arabia?
According to Chancellor Angela Merkel and Vice-Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the German government agrees that there should be no arms exports to Saudi Arabia for the time being. Foreign Minister Heiko Maas announced that he would also review already approved deliveries. The kingdom is currently the second-best customer of the German defense industry (read more about German arms deals here).
Unlike Germany, Spain has so far planned no export stop for military equipment. The ruling Social Democrats even voted in parliament with the opposition conservative People's Party to prevent such a request. According to the Institute for Peace Research Sipri, Spain is the fourth largest weapon supplier in Saudi Arabia after the USA, Great Britain and France.
French President Emmanuel Macron dodged questions about stopping arms exports to Saudi Arabia. Even the two largest suppliers of the Saudis, the USA and Great Britain, do not want to know about an export stop so far.
AP
US President Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
What consequences does the international community demand?
Erdogan called on Riyadh to face the 21 men identified by Saudi Arabian authorities as guilty, 18 of whom had been arrested, in an Istanbul court. He appealed to Saudi Arabia to clarify the whereabouts of Khashoggi's body and bring to justice all those responsible. This is also demanded by the foreign ministers of the G7 states. Saudi Arabia left many questions unanswered in its declarations and had to cooperate fully with the Turkish authorities.
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Riyadh and the Khashoggi caseThe end of the legend
EU Council President Donald Tusk urges a thorough investigation of the case. The only interest of the EU is to "bring out all the details - no matter who's behind it," Tusk said. The case is such a "horrific crime that even the tiniest glimmer of hypocrisy would bring shame on us."
The US has announced initial sanctions against Riyadh - but only against those accused by the Saudi leadership. According to Foreign Minister Mike Pompeo, a total of 21 Saudi suspects are no longer allowed to enter the US. Pompeo did not say which people were affected. London has also announced that it will withdraw its visa from suspects in the Khashoggi case.
Trump promised to discuss possible sanctions with Congress - with representatives of his Republican party as well as with the opposition Democrats.
What role does Saudi Arabia play for the US government?
The Kingdom is important to Trump's Middle East strategy: he needs it to realize his long-announced peace plan between Israel and the Palestinians. The fact that the Saudis and the US government would like to limit the influence of Iran, unites both countries as well. Trump was already making a sign when he visited after his takeover in January 2017 as the first country Saudi Arabia.
DPA / Saudi Press Agency
US President Donald Trump (r.), First Lady Melania Trump, Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Saudi King Salman
What happens at the Saudi Investor Conference?
The conference Future Investment Initiative (FII) is also called "Davos in the desert" and is intended primarily to attract investors. However, the case of Khashoggi had led to a series of refusals, including IMF head Christine Lagarde, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Siemens CEO Joe Kaeser. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also appeared at the opening of the conference. In his first public speech since Khashoggi's death, he described the case as a "heinous crime."
Among the companies that came despite the events were many Chinese and Russian companies as well as the French oil company Total. On the first day of the meeting, the organizers announced twelve "mega deals" worth more than $ 50 billion (€ 44 billion), including oil, gas and infrastructure.