Wait until investigation is completed: Bahrain
King Hamad reiterates solidarity with Saudi Arabia
Manama: King Hamad Bin Eisa Al Khalifa on Saturday said that statement campaigns and media allegations targeting Saudi Arabia should be ceased until the investigations are completed.
“We express our categorical rejection of the systematic campaigns and slanderous media statements targeting Saudi Arabia from any side. We call on those responsible to end them until the conclusion of the investigations conducted by the competent authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to uncover the facts,” King Hamad said as he arrived in the Saudi capital Riyadh for a visit to the kingdom.
“In this regard, we reaffirm our full confidence in the neutrality and independence of the competent Saudi judiciary that is known for the fairness of its provisions emanating from the Kingdom’s policies based on the principles of upholding rights, protecting interests and spreading goodness.”
King Hamad added that Bahrain fully supported Saudi Arabia, describing it as “the great house for Arabs and Muslims.”
“We renew our solidarity and our unequivocal support for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the great and grand house of the Arab and Muslim world led by our brother the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud and his faithful Crown Prince,” he said.
We stress that this solidarity is the safety valve that proves its usefulness throughout history. It is an indispensable choice that requires full commitment in order to preserve the status of religion, the unity of the people and the safety of our countries that are aspiring and committed to the fundamentals of coexistence and the spread and consolidation of peace across the world.”
Bahrain was among several countries that expressed its support to Saudi Arabia following the torrent of statements and reports from several quarters that emerged in the aftermath of the disappearance and the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Khashoggi was last seen in public on October 2 as he entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.
Following the belated confirmation of his death, Saudi Arabia launched an investigation into the case, dismissed six senior officials and detained 18 people, all Saudis, in connection with the killing.
It also formed a joint team with Turkey that searched the consulate and the residence of the consul.
Saudi Attorney General Saud Al Mojeb flew to Istanbul for meetings with his Turkish counterpart to work together on elucidating the case. No details were provided about the outcome of their encounters, although speculations abounded in the media.