Al-Jubeir warns Saudi leadership ‘a red line’

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir yesterday warned that the leadership of Saudi Arabia “represented in the king and the crown prince is a red line for every Saudi man or woman”. “The country is totally supportive of them. Every Saudi feels represented by his leadership, and every Saudi represents his leadership. There are outrageous comments that are being made and are totally unacceptable,” Al-Jubeir told CNBC’s Hadley Gamble on Wednesday.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is committed to its leadership, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is committed to the vision that our leaders have put forth for us in terms of Vision 2030 and in terms of moving along the path of reform,” Jubeir said. “And we will continue to move in spite of what people may or may not say.” A day before Al-Jubeir’s interview, President Donald Trump affirmed his support for the kingdom and its leadership. Trump said Saudi Arabia was an important political and economically, and he dismissed media reports on a claimed CIA conclusion Jamal Khashoggi’s killing.

“The United States intends to remain a steadfast partner of Saudi Arabia.” Saudi public prosecutor has earlier called for the death penalty against five men, announced indictments against 11 people, and said a total of 21 individuals were in custody in connection with the killing. Following the findings, Saudi King Salman said in his annual address to the Shura Council said, “The kingdom was founded on Islamic principles of justice and equality, and we are proud of the efforts of the judiciary and the public prosecution.” “We ensure that this country will never deviate from implementing God’s law without discrimination,” he added.