World powers should reconsider holding the next Group of 20 summits in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/saudi-arabia-continues-to-stifle-women-dissent-201335">Saudi Arabia </a>without accountability over the killing of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jamal-khashoggis-fiance-calls-for-international-probe-in-killing-230470">Jamal Khashoggi</a>, a UN expert who probed his death said Tuesday.

Agnes Callamard, the UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, in a report last month found "credible evidence" that linked Saudi Arabia's powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the killing of Khashoggi, a dissident writer who published in The Washington Post.

On a visit to Washington, Callamard who presented her report to the United Nations but does not speak for it said that the next Group of 20 summits, scheduled for November 2020 in Riyadh, offered a chance to pressure Saudi Arabia.

"Political accountability for Mr Khashoggi will mean that it doesn't happen or it's moved elsewhere, or something is being done to ensure that the political system in the US and in other countries does not become complicit of that international crime," Callamard said at the Brookings Institution.

Callamard said it was crucial to recognize that a state carried out the killing of Khashoggi, who was strangled and dismembered shortly after he entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul to handle wedding paperwork.

"So far the Western governments that have adopted individualized targeted sanctions which, by the way, are good are also selling the 'rogue' theory by so doing," she said, referring to the Saudi contention that out-of-control agents were responsible.

"So it's really important to insist on what we do vis-a-vis the state of Saudi Arabia, not some 15, 17 individuals," she said.

She also called for sanctions to restrict Saudi access to surveillance technology, saying the government has shown it "cannot be trusted" with it.

President Donald Trump's administration has slapped sanctions on individuals but vowed to preserve warm ties with Saudi Arabia due in part to its purchases of US weapons and its hostility to Iran.

Meeting Crown Prince Mohammed at the last G20 on Saturday in Osaka, Trump said the 33-year-old leader was doing a "spectacular job."

Callamard said she had not "yet" held talks at the White House during her visit to Washington.

World powers should reconsider holding the next Group of 20 summits in Saudi Arabia without accountability over the killing of Jamal Khashoggi, a UN expert who probed his death said Tuesday.

World powers should reconsider holding the next Group of 20 summits in Saudi Arabia without accountability over the killing of Jamal Khashoggi, a UN expert who probed his death said Tuesday. Agnes Callamard, the UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, in a report last month found "credible evidence" that linked Saudi Arabia's powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the killing of Khashoggi, a dissident writer who published in The Washington Post. On a visit to Washington, Callamard who presented her report to the United Nations but does not speak for it said that the next Group of 20 summits, scheduled for November 2020 in Riyadh, offered a chance to pressure Saudi Arabia. "Political accountability for Mr Khashoggi will mean that it doesn't happen or it's moved elsewhere, or something is being done to ensure that the political system in the US and in other countries does not become complicit of that international crime," Callamard said at the Brookings Institution. Callamard said it was crucial to recognize that a state carried out the killing of Khashoggi, who was strangled and dismembered shortly after he entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul to handle wedding paperwork. "So far the Western governments that have adopted individualized targeted sanctions which, by the way, are good are also selling the 'rogue' theory by so doing," she said, referring to the Saudi contention that out-of-control agents were responsible. "So it's really important to insist on what we do vis-a-vis the state of Saudi Arabia, not some 15, 17 individuals," she said. She also called for sanctions to restrict Saudi access to surveillance technology, saying the government has shown it "cannot be trusted" with it. President Donald Trump's administration has slapped sanctions on individuals but vowed to preserve warm ties with Saudi Arabia due in part to its purchases of US weapons and its hostility to Iran. Meeting Crown Prince Mohammed at the last G20 on Saturday in Osaka, Trump said the 33-year-old leader was doing a "spectacular job." Callamard said she had not "yet" held talks at the White House during her visit to Washington.

Reconsider Saudi Arabia' G20 after Jamal Khashoggi killing, United Nation expert says

Russia has agreed with Saudi Arabia to extend by six to nine months a deal with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudis-falih-says-oil-stocks-still-building-but-opec-to-act-if-needed-219637">OPEC </a>on reducing oil output, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/vladimir-putin-replies-to-elton-johns-hypocrisy-comment-231519">Russian President Vladimir Putin</a> said, as oil prices come under renewed pressure from rising US supplies and a slowing global economy.

Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said on Sunday that the deal would most likely be extended by nine months and no deeper reductions were needed.

Putin, speaking after talks with Saudi Crown Prince <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-crown-prince-mohammed-bin-salman-doing-spectacular-job-donald-trump-231336">Mohammed bin Salman</a>, told a news conference the deal - which is due to expire on Sunday would be extended in its current form and with the same volumes.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, Russia and other producers, an alliance known as OPEC+, meet on July 1-2 to discuss the deal, which involves curbing oil output by 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd).

The United States, the world's largest oil producer ahead of Russia and Saudi Arabia, is not participating in the pact.

"We will support the extension, both Russia and Saudi Arabia. As far as the length of the extension is concerned, we have yet to decide whether it will be six or nine months. Maybe it will be nine months," said Putin, who met the crown prince on the sidelines of a G20 summit in Japan.

Falih, arriving in Vienna for the OPEC+ talks, told reporters when asked about Saudi preferences: “I think most likely a nine-month extension.”

Asked about a deeper cut, Falih said: "I don’t think the market needs that."

“Demand is softening a little bit but I think it’s still healthy,” the Saudi minister said, adding that he expected the market to balance in the next six to nine months.

A nine-month extension would mean the deal runs out in March 2020. Russia's consent means the OPEC+ group may have a smooth meeting if OPEC's third-largest producer Iran also endorses the arrangement.

New US sanctions on Iran have reduced its exports to a trickle as Washington seeks to change what it calls a "corrupt" regime in Tehran. Iran has denounced the sanctions as illegal and says the White House is run by "mentally retarded" people.

Kirill Dmitriev, chief executive of the Russian Direct Investment Fund who helped design the OPEC-Russia deal, said the pact in place since 2017 had lifted Russian budget revenues by more than 7 trillion roubles ($110 billion).

"The strategic partnership within OPEC+ has led to the stabilisation of oil markets and allows both to reduce and increase production depending on the market demand conditions, which contributes to the predictability and growth of investments in the industry," Dmitriev said.

Benchmark Brent crude has climbed more than 25% since the start of 2019. But prices could stall as a slowing global economy squeezes demand and US oil floods the market, a Reuters poll of analysts found.

Who needs an OPEC meeting

Falih said the new deal would help reduce global oil stocks, balance the market and spur investments in future energy supplies.

"The agreement confirms that the Saudi-Russian partnership paved the way to guarantee the interest of producers and consumers and the continued growth of the global economy," Falih tweeted.

That Russia and Saudi Arabia effectively announced the deal before the OPEC gatherings will likely anger smaller members of the organisation, who feel sidelined.

"Who needs an OPEC meeting?," one delegate said after learning about the headlines from the Russia-Saudi talks. Some delegates said Iran might still put up a fight on Monday.

Russia's Energy Minister Alexander Novak said he believed most OPEC members including Iran have already expressed support to extend the output-cutting deal.

He said it may be wise to extend the agreement by nine rather than six months to avoid raising output during weak seasonal demand.

"It might make sense to keep the deal in place during the winter period," he told reporters.

Russia has agreed with Saudi Arabia to extend by six to nine months a deal with OPEC on reducing oil output, Russian President Vladimir Putin said, as oil prices come under renewed pressure from rising US supplies and a slowing global economy.

Russia has agreed with Saudi Arabia to extend by six to nine months a deal with OPEC on reducing oil output, Russian President Vladimir Putin said, as oil prices come under renewed pressure from rising US supplies and a slowing global economy. Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said on Sunday that the deal would most likely be extended by nine months and no deeper reductions were needed. Putin, speaking after talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, told a news conference the deal - which is due to expire on Sunday would be extended in its current form and with the same volumes. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, Russia and other producers, an alliance known as OPEC+, meet on July 1-2 to discuss the deal, which involves curbing oil output by 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd). The United States, the world's largest oil producer ahead of Russia and Saudi Arabia, is not participating in the pact. "We will support the extension, both Russia and Saudi Arabia. As far as the length of the extension is concerned, we have yet to decide whether it will be six or nine months. Maybe it will be nine months," said Putin, who met the crown prince on the sidelines of a G20 summit in Japan. Falih, arriving in Vienna for the OPEC+ talks, told reporters when asked about Saudi preferences: “I think most likely a nine-month extension.” Asked about a deeper cut, Falih said: "I don’t think the market needs that." “Demand is softening a little bit but I think it’s still healthy,” the Saudi minister said, adding that he expected the market to balance in the next six to nine months. A nine-month extension would mean the deal runs out in March 2020. Russia's consent means the OPEC+ group may have a smooth meeting if OPEC's third-largest producer Iran also endorses the arrangement. New US sanctions on Iran have reduced its exports to a trickle as Washington seeks to change what it calls a "corrupt" regime in Tehran. Iran has denounced the sanctions as illegal and says the White House is run by "mentally retarded" people. Kirill Dmitriev, chief executive of the Russian Direct Investment Fund who helped design the OPEC-Russia deal, said the pact in place since 2017 had lifted Russian budget revenues by more than 7 trillion roubles ($110 billion). "The strategic partnership within OPEC+ has led to the stabilisation of oil markets and allows both to reduce and increase production depending on the market demand conditions, which contributes to the predictability and growth of investments in the industry," Dmitriev said. Benchmark Brent crude has climbed more than 25% since the start of 2019. But prices could stall as a slowing global economy squeezes demand and US oil floods the market, a Reuters poll of analysts found. Who needs an OPEC meeting Falih said the new deal would help reduce global oil stocks, balance the market and spur investments in future energy supplies. "The agreement confirms that the Saudi-Russian partnership paved the way to guarantee the interest of producers and consumers and the continued growth of the global economy," Falih tweeted. That Russia and Saudi Arabia effectively announced the deal before the OPEC gatherings will likely anger smaller members of the organisation, who feel sidelined. "Who needs an OPEC meeting?," one delegate said after learning about the headlines from the Russia-Saudi talks. Some delegates said Iran might still put up a fight on Monday. Russia's Energy Minister Alexander Novak said he believed most OPEC members including Iran have already expressed support to extend the output-cutting deal. He said it may be wise to extend the agreement by nine rather than six months to avoid raising output during weak seasonal demand. "It might make sense to keep the deal in place during the winter period," he told reporters.

Russia agrees with Saudi Arabia to extend OPEC and oil output deal

Two Yemeni rebel drones targeting southern Saudi Arabia were intercepted on Saturday, a Riyadh-led military coalition said, the latest in a series of assaults on the kingdom.

The first drone targeted the province of Jizan and the second was aimed at a residential area in Asir province, the coalition said in a statement released by the official Saudi Press Agency.

The coalition did not report any damage or casualties.

The rebels earlier claimed drone attacks on the airports in Jizan and Abha, the capital of Asir, according to the group's Al-Masirah TV.

The Iran-aligned Huthi rebels, who have faced persistent coalition bombing since March 2015 which has exacted a heavy civilian death toll, have stepped up missile and drone attacks across the border in recent weeks.

On June 12, a rebel missile attack on Abha airport wounded 26 civilians, drawing promises of "stern action" from the coalition.

And on June 23, another rebel attack on Abha airport killed a Syrian national and wounded 21 other civilians, according to the coalition.

The raids come amid heightened regional tensions after Washington -- a key ally of Riyadh -- accused Iran of shooting down a US drone over international waters and of carrying out attacks on oil tankers in the strategic Gulf of Oman.

Saudi Arabia has repeatedly accused Iran of supplying sophisticated weapons to Huthi rebels, a charge Tehran denies.

Following recent attacks, Saudi state media have reported an intensification of coalition air raids on rebel positions in the northern Yemeni province of Hajjah and the Huthi-held capital Sanaa.

The coalition intervened in support of the Yemeni government in 2015 when President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi fled into Saudi exile as the rebels closed in on his last remaining territory in and around the second city Aden.

Since then, the conflict has killed tens of thousands of people, many of them civilians, relief agencies say.

The fighting has triggered what the United Nations describes as the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with millions of people displaced and in need of aid.

Two Yemeni rebel drones targeting southern Saudi Arabia were intercepted on Saturday, a Riyadh-led military coalition said, the latest in a series of assaults on the kingdom.

Two Yemeni rebel drones targeting southern Saudi Arabia were intercepted on Saturday, a Riyadh-led military coalition said, the latest in a series of assaults on the kingdom. The first drone targeted the province of Jizan and the second was aimed at a residential area in Asir province, the coalition said in a statement released by the official Saudi Press Agency. The coalition did not report any damage or casualties. The rebels earlier claimed drone attacks on the airports in Jizan and Abha, the capital of Asir, according to the group's Al-Masirah TV. The Iran-aligned Huthi rebels, who have faced persistent coalition bombing since March 2015 which has exacted a heavy civilian death toll, have stepped up missile and drone attacks across the border in recent weeks. On June 12, a rebel missile attack on Abha airport wounded 26 civilians, drawing promises of "stern action" from the coalition. And on June 23, another rebel attack on Abha airport killed a Syrian national and wounded 21 other civilians, according to the coalition. The raids come amid heightened regional tensions after Washington -- a key ally of Riyadh -- accused Iran of shooting down a US drone over international waters and of carrying out attacks on oil tankers in the strategic Gulf of Oman. Saudi Arabia has repeatedly accused Iran of supplying sophisticated weapons to Huthi rebels, a charge Tehran denies. Following recent attacks, Saudi state media have reported an intensification of coalition air raids on rebel positions in the northern Yemeni province of Hajjah and the Huthi-held capital Sanaa. The coalition intervened in support of the Yemeni government in 2015 when President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi fled into Saudi exile as the rebels closed in on his last remaining territory in and around the second city Aden. Since then, the conflict has killed tens of thousands of people, many of them civilians, relief agencies say. The fighting has triggered what the United Nations describes as the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with millions of people displaced and in need of aid.

Saudi Arabia intercepts two Yemen rebel drones: Riyadh-led coalition

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Sunday praised <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-meets-saudi-crown-prince-salman-at-g20-summit-in-japans-osaka-discusses-counter-terrorism-231041">Saudi Arabia</a>'s efforts to reduce its dependence on oil and promised Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that Japan will help the kingdom with a sweeping reform plan.

"Saudi Arabia's 'Vision 2030' is an unprecedented major reform aimed at shifting away from dependence on oil and at diversifying industry, under your majesty's initiative," Abe told the crown prince at the beginning of a bilateral meeting after a summit of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-summit-officially-opens-in-japans-osaka-with-trade-tensions-looming-231047">Group of 20 leaders in the city of Osaka</a>.

"Japan will continue its utmost efforts by government and the private sector to help achieve its success," Abe said.

Riyadh announced the reform plan in 2016, with goals ranging from overhauling its state-owned Public Investment Fund to increasing visits of Muslim pilgrims and encouraging more Saudis to play sports.

Despite last October's murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the hands of Saudi agents, big investors are pushing ahead with deals and pouring money back into its stock market as well as Vision 2030 projects that aim to diversify the economy of the world’s top oil exporter and create jobs.

"Saudi wants to do the utmost to continue our old but a new strong partnership with Japan," the crown prince told Abe through an interpreter.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Sunday praised Saudi Arabia's efforts to reduce its dependence on oil and promised Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that Japan will help the kingdom with a sweeping reform plan.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Sunday praised Saudi Arabia's efforts to reduce its dependence on oil and promised Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that Japan will help the kingdom with a sweeping reform plan. "Saudi Arabia's 'Vision 2030' is an unprecedented major reform aimed at shifting away from dependence on oil and at diversifying industry, under your majesty's initiative," Abe told the crown prince at the beginning of a bilateral meeting after a summit of Group of 20 leaders in the city of Osaka. "Japan will continue its utmost efforts by government and the private sector to help achieve its success," Abe said. Riyadh announced the reform plan in 2016, with goals ranging from overhauling its state-owned Public Investment Fund to increasing visits of Muslim pilgrims and encouraging more Saudis to play sports. Despite last October's murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the hands of Saudi agents, big investors are pushing ahead with deals and pouring money back into its stock market as well as Vision 2030 projects that aim to diversify the economy of the world’s top oil exporter and create jobs. "Saudi wants to do the utmost to continue our old but a new strong partnership with Japan," the crown prince told Abe through an interpreter.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe offers Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman help in reducing oil dependency

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said that Saudi Arabia should share all facts and details about the murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

However, Erdogan said that while Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) had promised him during a recent telephonic conversation, he contended that "nothing has been done".

"It is first of all MbS who needs to shed light on this because he promised me during our phone call but until now nothing had been done," he was quoted by CNN as saying while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Osaka.

Erdogan insisted that the Saudi Crown Prince had to shed light on the perpetrators of Khashoggi`s killing.

"There are certain suspects that we know of and they need to be tried in Istanbul because that`s where the crime was committed," he said.

Erdogan has repeatedly charged at the Saudi Crown Prince after Khashoggi was murdered when he had entered the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul in October last year.

Riyadh initially denied any knowledge of the incident, but Saudi officials later claimed that many among the group, who murdered the former Washington Post columnist, belonged to the Crown Prince`s inner circle.

United Nations special rapporteur on extrajudicial executions, Agnes Callamard, who recently presented her special report on Khashoggi`s murder, has called for an international investigation into the murder, adding that the Saudi probe into the matter has failed to examine who may have ordered it.

The independent investigation released earlier this month held Saudi Arabia responsible for the scribe`s "extrajudicial killing."&nbsp;

The report revealed that the late Saudi Arabian journalist was the victim of a "deliberate and premeditated execution."

Saudi Arabia has already dismissed the UN`s report.Saudi Arabia began the trial for 11 suspects in the murder case earlier this year, after rejecting Erdogan`s call for the suspected Saudi nationals to be extradited to Turkey to face trial in the nation where the crime took place.&nbsp;

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said that Saudi Arabia should share all facts and details about the murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said that Saudi Arabia should share all facts and details about the murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi. However, Erdogan said that while Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) had promised him during a recent telephonic conversation, he contended that "nothing has been done". "It is first of all MbS who needs to shed light on this because he promised me during our phone call but until now nothing had been done," he was quoted by CNN as saying while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Osaka. Erdogan insisted that the Saudi Crown Prince had to shed light on the perpetrators of Khashoggi`s killing. "There are certain suspects that we know of and they need to be tried in Istanbul because that`s where the crime was committed," he said. Erdogan has repeatedly charged at the Saudi Crown Prince after Khashoggi was murdered when he had entered the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul in October last year. Riyadh initially denied any knowledge of the incident, but Saudi officials later claimed that many among the group, who murdered the former Washington Post columnist, belonged to the Crown Prince`s inner circle. United Nations special rapporteur on extrajudicial executions, Agnes Callamard, who recently presented her special report on Khashoggi`s murder, has called for an international investigation into the murder, adding that the Saudi probe into the matter has failed to examine who may have ordered it. The independent investigation released earlier this month held Saudi Arabia responsible for the scribe`s "extrajudicial killing." The report revealed that the late Saudi Arabian journalist was the victim of a "deliberate and premeditated execution." Saudi Arabia has already dismissed the UN`s report.Saudi Arabia began the trial for 11 suspects in the murder case earlier this year, after rejecting Erdogan`s call for the suspected Saudi nationals to be extradited to Turkey to face trial in the nation where the crime took place.

All details on Khashoggi's murder should be shared by Saudi: Erdogan

President Donald Trump said on Saturday he appreciated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-angry-about-khashoggi-murder-but-says-no-one-blames-crown-prince-mohammed-bin-salman-231433">Saudi Arabia</a>`s purchase of US military equipment, calling Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman a "friend of mine" who had worked to open up the country with economic and social reforms.

"It`s an honour to be with the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, a friend of mine - a man who has really done things in the last five years in terms of opening up Saudi Arabia," Trump said ahead of a bilateral meeting with the crown prince, known as MbS, in Osaka, Japan.

"I think especially what you’ve done for women and seeing what’s happening - it’s like a revolution in a very positive way," he added on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) summit.

Trump declined to respond to reporters` questions on whether he would address the death last year of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a critic of MbS.

The CIA has determined the prince ordered his killing, but Saudi officials have denied any involvement.

President Donald Trump said on Saturday he appreciated Saudi Arabia`s purchase of US military equipment, calling Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman a "friend of mine" who had worked to open up the country with economic and social reforms.

President Donald Trump said on Saturday he appreciated Saudi Arabia`s purchase of US military equipment, calling Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman a "friend of mine" who had worked to open up the country with economic and social reforms. "It`s an honour to be with the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, a friend of mine - a man who has really done things in the last five years in terms of opening up Saudi Arabia," Trump said ahead of a bilateral meeting with the crown prince, known as MbS, in Osaka, Japan. "I think especially what you’ve done for women and seeing what’s happening - it’s like a revolution in a very positive way," he added on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) summit. Trump declined to respond to reporters` questions on whether he would address the death last year of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a critic of MbS. The CIA has determined the prince ordered his killing, but Saudi officials have denied any involvement.

Trump says he 'appreciates' Saudi purchase of US military equipment

In a significant step, Saudi Arabia has increased India's Haj quota from 170,000 to 200,000, paving the way for 30,000 more Indians to go for the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in the kingdom.

The issue of India's Haj quota was discussed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bilateral talks with Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman.

Modi, who is in Japan for the G20 Summit, discussed the deepening cooperation in trade and investment, energy security and counter-terrorism with the "invaluable strategic partner".

Addressing a press conference after the meeting, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said that the Crown Prince had promised Prime Minister Modi that India's Haj quota would be raised from 170,000 to 200,000 annually.

"This is important and this has been done," he said.

Two lakh Indians will have the opportunity to go for Haj which will begin very shortly, Gokhale said.

The two leaders also spoke about the need for greater tourism, more flights and agreed to meet again, he said.

The Saudi Crown Prince has also invited the Prime Minister to be one of the main guests at an international conference later this year and he has accepted the invitation with pleasure, the Foreign Secretary said.

The government last year allowed women to go on Haj without 'Mehram' or male companion, which saw about 1,300 women going without any male companion. They had been exempted from the lottery system.

Last year, Saudi Arabia increased India's Haj quota by 5,000, while in 2017 it was increased by about 35,000.

The Haj subsidy provided by the government was removed last year in the light of a Supreme Court order of 2012. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In a significant step, Saudi Arabia has increased India's Haj quota from 170,000 to 200,000, paving the way for 30,000 more Indians to go for the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in the kingdom.

In a significant step, Saudi Arabia has increased India's Haj quota from 170,000 to 200,000, paving the way for 30,000 more Indians to go for the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in the kingdom. The issue of India's Haj quota was discussed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bilateral talks with Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman. Modi, who is in Japan for the G20 Summit, discussed the deepening cooperation in trade and investment, energy security and counter-terrorism with the "invaluable strategic partner". Addressing a press conference after the meeting, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said that the Crown Prince had promised Prime Minister Modi that India's Haj quota would be raised from 170,000 to 200,000 annually. "This is important and this has been done," he said. Two lakh Indians will have the opportunity to go for Haj which will begin very shortly, Gokhale said. The two leaders also spoke about the need for greater tourism, more flights and agreed to meet again, he said. The Saudi Crown Prince has also invited the Prime Minister to be one of the main guests at an international conference later this year and he has accepted the invitation with pleasure, the Foreign Secretary said. The government last year allowed women to go on Haj without 'Mehram' or male companion, which saw about 1,300 women going without any male companion. They had been exempted from the lottery system. Last year, Saudi Arabia increased India's Haj quota by 5,000, while in 2017 it was increased by about 35,000. The Haj subsidy provided by the government was removed last year in the light of a Supreme Court order of 2012.

Saudi Arabia raises India's Haj quota by 30,000

The women of Saudi Arabia are using their wedding contracts to assert their right to drive. Watch full video to know more.

Saudi women use pre-wedding contracts to assert right to drive

The first stage of President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-economy-first-approach-to-mideast-peace-built-on-big-money-projects-229587">Donald Trump's Middle East peace plan</a> will be launched on Tuesday at a conference the White House touts as a bid to begin drumming up $50 billion in investment but which Palestinians deride as an "economy first" approach doomed to fail.

The two-day international meeting in Bahrain, led by Trump’s son-in-law, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jared-kushner-visits-middle-east-to-press-us-peace-plan-222381">Jared Kushner</a>, has been billed as the first part of Washington's long-delayed broader political blueprint to revive the moribund Israeli-Palestinian peace process, which will be unveiled at a later date.

But neither the Israeli nor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/even-if-netanyahu-goes-the-israeli-palestinian-conflict-will-continue-204653">Palestinian governments</a> will attend the curtain-raising event in the Bahraini capital, Manama.

There will be close scrutiny as to whether attendees such as Saudi Arabia and other wealthy Gulf Arab states show any interest in making actual donations to a US plan that has already elicited bitter criticism from Palestinians and many others in the Arab world.

Bahrain, a close American ally and home to the US Navy's Fifth Fleet, has been making preparations for weeks.

Although the conference is supposed to focus on economics, Gulf Arab states hope their presence will also show their solidarity with the Trump administration over its hardline against Iran, a senior Gulf diplomat said on condition of anonymity.

Under the plan, donor nations and investors would contribute about $50 billion over 10 years, with $28 billion going to the Palestinian territories - the Israeli-occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip - as well as $7.5 billion to Jordan, $9 billion to Egypt and $6 billion for Lebanon.

Among 179 proposed infrastructure and business, projects is a $5 billion transport corridor to connect the West Bank and Gaza.

"I laugh when they attack this as the ‘deal of the century,’" Kushner told Reuters, referring to the lofty nickname that Trump’s peace plan has assumed over the past two years.

"This is going to be the ‘opportunity of the century’ if they have the courage to pursue it."

Kushner, a senior Trump adviser who like his father-in-law comes from the world of New York real estate, is presenting his plan in a pair of pamphlets filled with graphs and statistics that resemble an investment prospectus.

But pushing back against critics who accuse Kushner of trying to forge a strictly “economic peace,” he told Reuters last week: “A lot of past attempts have failed. Calm down ... and keep an open mind.”

Peace to Prosperity

Even so, expectations for success are low. The Trump team concedes that the economic plan - billed "Peace to Prosperity" - will be implemented only if a political solution to one of the world’s most intractable conflicts is reached.

Any such solution would have to settle long-standing issues such as the status of Jerusalem, mutually agreed borders, satisfying Israel's security concerns and Palestinian demands for statehood, and the fate of Israel's settlements and military presence in territory Palestinians want to build that state.

In an interview with Al Jazeera set to air on Tuesday, Kushner offered a rare glimpse into the possible political contours of the plan, saying a deal would not adhere to the Arab Peace Initiative, a Saudi-led plan that has been the Arab consensus on the necessary elements for a Palestinian deal since 2002.

"I think we all have to recognise that if there ever is a deal, it's not going to be along the lines of the Arab Peace Initiative. It will be somewhere between the Arab Peace Initiative and between the Israeli position," Kushner told Al Jazeera.

The Arab Peace Initiative offers Israel normal ties with the Arab world in exchange for a Palestinian state drawn along borders that predate Israel's capture of territory in a 1967 war and a fair solution for Palestinian refugees. Israel has rejected some of the initiative's main provisions.

Hanging over the entire initiative are persistent questions about whether the Trump team plans to abandon the "two-state solution," a long-standing principle of Middle East peacemaking that involves the creation of an independent Palestinian state.

But the Trump team has consistently refused to commit to it.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a close Trump ally, has his own domestic problems, facing an election, and possible corruption charges after a long-running police investigation. He denies any wrongdoing.

"We'll hear the American proposition, hear it fairly and with openness," Netanyahu said on Sunday. Although no Israeli government ministers will attend, an Israeli business delegation is expected.

Palestinian leaders have boycotted the workshop, and are refusing to engage with the White House - accusing it of pro-Israel bias after a series of recent Trump decisions. Kushner told Reuters that "some" Palestinian businessmen would be present.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, whose Palestinian Authority exercises limited self-rule in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, was scathing about its prospects of success.

"Money is important. The economy is important. But politics are more important. The political solution is more important," he said.

Hamas, the Islamist militant group that controls Gaza, has found itself in rare agreement with its arch-rival Abbas. "The Palestinian people only and no one else can represent the Palestinian cause," Hamas official Mushir al-Masri said.

Kushner insists, however, that the economic plan is intended to help draw Palestinians back to the negotiating table by showcasing the benefits a peace deal could bring.

Kushner said that even without the Israeli and Palestinian governments represented, the presence of Israeli business executives and journalists with their Arab counterparts would be significant at a time of rising tensions with Iran.

"People realize that the real threat to that region is Iran and their aggression, and Israel and a lot of the other Arab states have a lot more in common today than they did before," he said.

David Makovsky, a Washington-based Middle East expert, agreed that although the principal focus of the event was the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, "Iran is higher on the chain of interest right now."

However, Makovsky, whom the White House has invited as an observer, said of the Trump-Kushner plan: "No one believes you can solve this thing economically without addressing the political issues."

The first stage of President Donald Trump's Middle East peace plan will be launched on Tuesday at a conference the White House touts as a bid to begin drumming up $50 billion in investment but which Palestinians deride as an "economy first" approach doomed to fail.

The first stage of President Donald Trump's Middle East peace plan will be launched on Tuesday at a conference the White House touts as a bid to begin drumming up $50 billion in investment but which Palestinians deride as an "economy first" approach doomed to fail. The two-day international meeting in Bahrain, led by Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, has been billed as the first part of Washington's long-delayed broader political blueprint to revive the moribund Israeli-Palestinian peace process, which will be unveiled at a later date. But neither the Israeli nor Palestinian governments will attend the curtain-raising event in the Bahraini capital, Manama. There will be close scrutiny as to whether attendees such as Saudi Arabia and other wealthy Gulf Arab states show any interest in making actual donations to a US plan that has already elicited bitter criticism from Palestinians and many others in the Arab world. Bahrain, a close American ally and home to the US Navy's Fifth Fleet, has been making preparations for weeks. Although the conference is supposed to focus on economics, Gulf Arab states hope their presence will also show their solidarity with the Trump administration over its hardline against Iran, a senior Gulf diplomat said on condition of anonymity. Under the plan, donor nations and investors would contribute about $50 billion over 10 years, with $28 billion going to the Palestinian territories - the Israeli-occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip - as well as $7.5 billion to Jordan, $9 billion to Egypt and $6 billion for Lebanon. Among 179 proposed infrastructure and business, projects is a $5 billion transport corridor to connect the West Bank and Gaza. "I laugh when they attack this as the ‘deal of the century,’" Kushner told Reuters, referring to the lofty nickname that Trump’s peace plan has assumed over the past two years. "This is going to be the ‘opportunity of the century’ if they have the courage to pursue it." Kushner, a senior Trump adviser who like his father-in-law comes from the world of New York real estate, is presenting his plan in a pair of pamphlets filled with graphs and statistics that resemble an investment prospectus. But pushing back against critics who accuse Kushner of trying to forge a strictly “economic peace,” he told Reuters last week: “A lot of past attempts have failed. Calm down ... and keep an open mind.” Peace to Prosperity Even so, expectations for success are low. The Trump team concedes that the economic plan - billed "Peace to Prosperity" - will be implemented only if a political solution to one of the world’s most intractable conflicts is reached. Any such solution would have to settle long-standing issues such as the status of Jerusalem, mutually agreed borders, satisfying Israel's security concerns and Palestinian demands for statehood, and the fate of Israel's settlements and military presence in territory Palestinians want to build that state. In an interview with Al Jazeera set to air on Tuesday, Kushner offered a rare glimpse into the possible political contours of the plan, saying a deal would not adhere to the Arab Peace Initiative, a Saudi-led plan that has been the Arab consensus on the necessary elements for a Palestinian deal since 2002. "I think we all have to recognise that if there ever is a deal, it's not going to be along the lines of the Arab Peace Initiative. It will be somewhere between the Arab Peace Initiative and between the Israeli position," Kushner told Al Jazeera. The Arab Peace Initiative offers Israel normal ties with the Arab world in exchange for a Palestinian state drawn along borders that predate Israel's capture of territory in a 1967 war and a fair solution for Palestinian refugees. Israel has rejected some of the initiative's main provisions. Hanging over the entire initiative are persistent questions about whether the Trump team plans to abandon the "two-state solution," a long-standing principle of Middle East peacemaking that involves the creation of an independent Palestinian state. But the Trump team has consistently refused to commit to it. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a close Trump ally, has his own domestic problems, facing an election, and possible corruption charges after a long-running police investigation. He denies any wrongdoing. "We'll hear the American proposition, hear it fairly and with openness," Netanyahu said on Sunday. Although no Israeli government ministers will attend, an Israeli business delegation is expected. Palestinian leaders have boycotted the workshop, and are refusing to engage with the White House - accusing it of pro-Israel bias after a series of recent Trump decisions. Kushner told Reuters that "some" Palestinian businessmen would be present. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, whose Palestinian Authority exercises limited self-rule in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, was scathing about its prospects of success. "Money is important. The economy is important. But politics are more important. The political solution is more important," he said. Hamas, the Islamist militant group that controls Gaza, has found itself in rare agreement with its arch-rival Abbas. "The Palestinian people only and no one else can represent the Palestinian cause," Hamas official Mushir al-Masri said. Kushner insists, however, that the economic plan is intended to help draw Palestinians back to the negotiating table by showcasing the benefits a peace deal could bring. Kushner said that even without the Israeli and Palestinian governments represented, the presence of Israeli business executives and journalists with their Arab counterparts would be significant at a time of rising tensions with Iran. "People realize that the real threat to that region is Iran and their aggression, and Israel and a lot of the other Arab states have a lot more in common today than they did before," he said. David Makovsky, a Washington-based Middle East expert, agreed that although the principal focus of the event was the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, "Iran is higher on the chain of interest right now." However, Makovsky, whom the White House has invited as an observer, said of the Trump-Kushner plan: "No one believes you can solve this thing economically without addressing the political issues."

In Bahrain, United States to launch economic part of Mideast peace plan amid skepticism

Yemen's Houthi movement launched an attack on Abha civilian airport in southern Saudi Arabia on Sunday that killed one person and wounded 21 others, the Saudi-led coalition battling the group in Yemen said.

Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV earlier said that the Iran-aligned movement had targeted Abha and Jizan airports in the south of the kingdom with drones attacks.

"A terrorist attack by the Iran-backed Houthi militia targeted Abha airport, killing a Syrian resident and wounding 21 civilians," the coalition said in a statement carried on Saudi state television.

It did not confirm an attack on Jizan airport.

Saudi-owned Al Arabiya TV said a suspected drone hit the parking lot in Abha airport, which is about 200 km (125 miles) north of the Yemen border and serves domestic and regional routes.

Saudi state TV said flights had resumed at the airport, where operations were now running normally.

Earlier this month, a Houthi missile hit Abha airport in a strike that wounded 26 people.

The Western-backed Sunni Muslim coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates intervened in Yemen in 2015 to try to restore the internationally recognised government that was ousted from power in Sanaa by the Houthis in late 2014.

The Iran-aligned Houthis have stepped up missile and drone attacks on Saudi cities in the past month amid rising tension between Iran and Gulf Arab states allied to the United States.

Riyadh has accused Iran of supplying the Houthis with the weapon used in the June 13 attack on Abha airport. Tehran and the Houthis deny coalition charges that Iran supplies the Houthis with missiles and drones.

"Destabilising activity"

The Saudi-led military coalition has targeted Houthi military sites around the capital Sanaa and Hodeidah port city.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Britain and the United States, in a joint statement published by the Saudi Embassy in Washington on Sunday, voiced concern about the escalation in Houthi attacks - without any mention of the latest drone launches.

The quartet also voiced concern about "dangers posed by Iranian destabilising activity" to peace and security both in Yemen and the broader region, citing attacks on oil tankers in Gulf waters.

Tehran has denied involvement in the tanker attacks, which no one has claimed responsibility for.

The escalation in violence threatens a U.N.-sponsored deal for a ceasefire and troop withdrawal from Hodeidah, which became the focus of the war last year when the coalition tried to seize the port, the Houthis' main supply line and a lifeline for millions of Yemenis.

The quartet's statement called on all Yemeni parties to engage constructively with U.N. special envoy Martin Griffiths to accelerate implementation of the agreement.

The deal, reached at peace talks in Sweden last December, had stalled for months before the Houthis unilaterally withdrew from three Red Sea ports in Hodeidah. The Saudi-led alliance has yet to verify the redeployment or meet it by pulling back pro-coalition troops massed on the outskirts of Hodeidah.

Yemen's Houthi movement launched an attack on Abha civilian airport in southern Saudi Arabia on Sunday that killed one person and wounded 21 others, the Saudi-led coalition battling the group in Yemen said.

Yemen's Houthi movement launched an attack on Abha civilian airport in southern Saudi Arabia on Sunday that killed one person and wounded 21 others, the Saudi-led coalition battling the group in Yemen said. Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV earlier said that the Iran-aligned movement had targeted Abha and Jizan airports in the south of the kingdom with drones attacks. "A terrorist attack by the Iran-backed Houthi militia targeted Abha airport, killing a Syrian resident and wounding 21 civilians," the coalition said in a statement carried on Saudi state television. It did not confirm an attack on Jizan airport. Saudi-owned Al Arabiya TV said a suspected drone hit the parking lot in Abha airport, which is about 200 km (125 miles) north of the Yemen border and serves domestic and regional routes. Saudi state TV said flights had resumed at the airport, where operations were now running normally. Earlier this month, a Houthi missile hit Abha airport in a strike that wounded 26 people. The Western-backed Sunni Muslim coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates intervened in Yemen in 2015 to try to restore the internationally recognised government that was ousted from power in Sanaa by the Houthis in late 2014. The Iran-aligned Houthis have stepped up missile and drone attacks on Saudi cities in the past month amid rising tension between Iran and Gulf Arab states allied to the United States. Riyadh has accused Iran of supplying the Houthis with the weapon used in the June 13 attack on Abha airport. Tehran and the Houthis deny coalition charges that Iran supplies the Houthis with missiles and drones. "Destabilising activity" The Saudi-led military coalition has targeted Houthi military sites around the capital Sanaa and Hodeidah port city. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Britain and the United States, in a joint statement published by the Saudi Embassy in Washington on Sunday, voiced concern about the escalation in Houthi attacks - without any mention of the latest drone launches. The quartet also voiced concern about "dangers posed by Iranian destabilising activity" to peace and security both in Yemen and the broader region, citing attacks on oil tankers in Gulf waters. Tehran has denied involvement in the tanker attacks, which no one has claimed responsibility for. The escalation in violence threatens a U.N.-sponsored deal for a ceasefire and troop withdrawal from Hodeidah, which became the focus of the war last year when the coalition tried to seize the port, the Houthis' main supply line and a lifeline for millions of Yemenis. The quartet's statement called on all Yemeni parties to engage constructively with U.N. special envoy Martin Griffiths to accelerate implementation of the agreement. The deal, reached at peace talks in Sweden last December, had stalled for months before the Houthis unilaterally withdrew from three Red Sea ports in Hodeidah. The Saudi-led alliance has yet to verify the redeployment or meet it by pulling back pro-coalition troops massed on the outskirts of Hodeidah.

Yemen's Houthis hit Saudi airport, killing one, wounding 21: Saudi-led coalition

Saudi salesman Majd had just begun his wedding preparations when his fiancee sought to enshrine in their marriage contract a condition already guaranteed by law, her <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-historic-reform-saudi-women-driving-ban-officially-ends-146609">right to drive</a>.

Wedding contracts have long been a safety net for brides in the deeply patriarchal society, used to guarantee demands that are often otherwise vulnerable to the whims of the husband or his family.

Such legally binding contracts typically codify anything from the woman's right to have her own house, hire a maid, or to study or work.

But after the kingdom last year <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-lifting-ban-on-driving-saudi-arabia-allows-women-to-become-notaries-150311">lifted a decades-long ban on female motorists</a>, a popular new condition in the contracts is the right to own and drive a car, according to documents seen by AFP and interviews with wedding clerics.

Majd, 29, who is due to marry this month in his native Dammam in eastern Saudi Arabia, signed off on two demands from his 21-year-old fiancee,the right to drive and to work after marriage, according to the contract he shared with AFP.

"She said she (would) like to be independent," explained Majd, who requested his last name be withheld as the discussion was a private family matter.

"I replied: 'sure, why not?'"

Overturning the world's only ban on women drivers is the most palpable social change in the ultra-conservative kingdom, which is pursuing a wide-ranging liberalisation drive.

To drive, women do not require the explicit approval of their male "guardians", husbands, fathers and other male relatives, whose permission is needed by women to study, get married and even leave prison.

But it remains unclear whether women have any legal recourse should their guardians prevent them from taking the wheel.

And many in the kingdom appear to be trapped in this troubling scenario.

"Some women prefer to include the driving condition in their contract to avoid any marital conflicts" over the issue, said Abdulmohsen al-Ajemi, a Riyadh wedding cleric who received his first such enquiry from the family of an engaged woman last week.

"It's a way to guarantee the husband will keep his promise."

A breach of wedding conditions can be used by women as grounds for divorce, clerics say.

&nbsp;'I don't want you'&nbsp;

There are no official statistics on the number of such contracts. Saudi Arabia's justice and media ministries did not respond to AFP's request for comment.

But Munirah al-Sinani, a 72-year-old housewife in Dhahran, a city in the kingdom's east, said she had come across two such cases recently among her acquaintances.

"If you don't let me drive, if you say 'no', then khallas (finished) I don't want you," Sinani quoted one of the women as telling her potential spouse.

The trend underscores how women appear to be using the contracts to side-step patriarchy and the conditions appear to be getting bolder.

A man in eastern Al-Ahsa city told AFP that during a marriage within his extended family, the bride demanded that her husband-to-be give up smoking.

Another woman asked that her husband have no access to her salary and another stipulated that she should not fall pregnant in the first year of marriage, according to cleric Ajemi.

A Saudi woman took social media by storm recently when she posted her wedding contract online.

The document prohibited her husband from taking a second wife, even though polygamy is legal in Islam.

Angry online trolls rebuked her husband as "unmanly" for accepting the condition.

Men also sometimes use wedding contracts to stipulate that the "wife will never work" or that she must agree to live with his mother, senior cleric Adel al-Kalbani told AFP.

The new conditions are a sign of the kingdom's social transformation that appears to be granting women more rights, Kalbani and Ajemi said.

But they could also cause strains in marriages in a traditional society where such conditions may be deemed insulting or signify a lack of trust in the husband, typically the head of a household.

Saudi media has already reported a spike in divorce cases in recent years.

"In the past, society did not listen to women. Husbands would turn around and firmly say 'No'," cleric Ajemi said.

"But now they are listening to the aspirations of women, adapting to their demands."

Saudi salesman Majd had just begun his wedding preparations when his fiancee sought to enshrine in their marriage contract a condition already guaranteed by law, her right to drive.

Saudi salesman Majd had just begun his wedding preparations when his fiancee sought to enshrine in their marriage contract a condition already guaranteed by law, her right to drive. Wedding contracts have long been a safety net for brides in the deeply patriarchal society, used to guarantee demands that are often otherwise vulnerable to the whims of the husband or his family. Such legally binding contracts typically codify anything from the woman's right to have her own house, hire a maid, or to study or work. But after the kingdom last year lifted a decades-long ban on female motorists, a popular new condition in the contracts is the right to own and drive a car, according to documents seen by AFP and interviews with wedding clerics. Majd, 29, who is due to marry this month in his native Dammam in eastern Saudi Arabia, signed off on two demands from his 21-year-old fiancee,the right to drive and to work after marriage, according to the contract he shared with AFP. "She said she (would) like to be independent," explained Majd, who requested his last name be withheld as the discussion was a private family matter. "I replied: 'sure, why not?'" Overturning the world's only ban on women drivers is the most palpable social change in the ultra-conservative kingdom, which is pursuing a wide-ranging liberalisation drive. To drive, women do not require the explicit approval of their male "guardians", husbands, fathers and other male relatives, whose permission is needed by women to study, get married and even leave prison. But it remains unclear whether women have any legal recourse should their guardians prevent them from taking the wheel. And many in the kingdom appear to be trapped in this troubling scenario. "Some women prefer to include the driving condition in their contract to avoid any marital conflicts" over the issue, said Abdulmohsen al-Ajemi, a Riyadh wedding cleric who received his first such enquiry from the family of an engaged woman last week. "It's a way to guarantee the husband will keep his promise." A breach of wedding conditions can be used by women as grounds for divorce, clerics say. 'I don't want you' There are no official statistics on the number of such contracts. Saudi Arabia's justice and media ministries did not respond to AFP's request for comment. But Munirah al-Sinani, a 72-year-old housewife in Dhahran, a city in the kingdom's east, said she had come across two such cases recently among her acquaintances. "If you don't let me drive, if you say 'no', then khallas (finished) I don't want you," Sinani quoted one of the women as telling her potential spouse. The trend underscores how women appear to be using the contracts to side-step patriarchy and the conditions appear to be getting bolder. A man in eastern Al-Ahsa city told AFP that during a marriage within his extended family, the bride demanded that her husband-to-be give up smoking. Another woman asked that her husband have no access to her salary and another stipulated that she should not fall pregnant in the first year of marriage, according to cleric Ajemi. A Saudi woman took social media by storm recently when she posted her wedding contract online. The document prohibited her husband from taking a second wife, even though polygamy is legal in Islam. Angry online trolls rebuked her husband as "unmanly" for accepting the condition. Men also sometimes use wedding contracts to stipulate that the "wife will never work" or that she must agree to live with his mother, senior cleric Adel al-Kalbani told AFP. The new conditions are a sign of the kingdom's social transformation that appears to be granting women more rights, Kalbani and Ajemi said. But they could also cause strains in marriages in a traditional society where such conditions may be deemed insulting or signify a lack of trust in the husband, typically the head of a household. Saudi media has already reported a spike in divorce cases in recent years. "In the past, society did not listen to women. Husbands would turn around and firmly say 'No'," cleric Ajemi said. "But now they are listening to the aspirations of women, adapting to their demands."

Saudi women use wedding contracts to assert right to drive

Mike Pompeo has met Saudi Arabia’s king and crown prince for talks as the US secretary of state seeks to promote an anti-Iran alliance at a time of mounting tensions in the region.

Mike Pompeo arrives in Saudi Arabia

Buckling up in a pearl-silver Lexus, Sabeeha al-Fakher takes the wheel and relegates her son to the passenger seat, a role reversal the 68-year-old Saudi widow never imagined would be possible in her lifetime.

Until June 24 last year, the act would have been considered a crime in Saudi Arabia, where hardliners have preached for decades that allowing women to drive would promote gender mixing and promiscuity.

Overturning the world's only ban on female drivers has potentially put thousands of women behind the wheel in the most visible symbol of the conservative kingdom's modernisation drive.

Among them is Fakher, a mother-of-five who never thought she would see the reform, which ushered in a new era of freedom and mobility for women.

"I still don't believe it," she said, zipping past younger drivers in her native eastern city of Qatif.

Her husband, who passed away a decade ago, secretly taught her how to drive during trips to neighbouring Bahrain in the 1990s, despite the risk of infuriating family patriarchs.

The reform has freed many Saudi women from their dependence on private chauffeurs and male relatives.

"We feel like (we were) in a cage before," said Munirah al-Sinani, a 72-year-old mother of four, driving in the nearby city of Dhahran with her husband in the passenger seat.

"Open the cage. We fly, we go wherever."

Arson attacks &nbsp;

The move was part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's much-trumpeted reform drive aimed at overhauling the conservative petro-state, long criticised over its treatment of women.

But as authorities detained several veteran women's rights campaigners in the weeks before the ban was lifted, it became clear that the reform drive would not include greater political freedoms.

However, with the kingdom tightening its purse strings amid low oil prices, their new-found mobility allows women to join a labour market chronically short of female workers.

Some three million women could receive licences and start driving&nbsp;by 2020, according to consultancy firm PwC.

Only a handful of driving&nbsp;schools for women have cropped up in Saudi cities, where applicants have rushed to learn to drive cars and even Harley-Davidson motorbikes -- scenes unimaginable until recently.

But in a society steeped in conservatism, many say they have endured sexism&nbsp;and aggression.

Social media is rife with memes of traffic pileups blamed on women drivers, along with condescending messages advising women to "avoid wearing makeup" while driving.

More alarmingly, arsonists "opposed to female drivers" torched a woman's car near the holy city of Mecca last July, Saudi media reported.

The woman had reportedly started driving to save money -- she had been spending much of her salary on hiring a driver.

Since then local media has reported at least five more arson attacks on women's cars in several cities.&nbsp;

Opposition from 'guardians'&nbsp;

Many women also face opposition from family members, in a country where&nbsp;women are often only as free as their "guardians" –- husbands, fathers and other male relatives –- allow.

Women need a guardian's permission to study, get married or even renew passports. 
That is not the case for driving licenses, but it is unclear what legal recourse women have if guardians physically prevent them from taking the wheel.

Fakher recalled asking two conservative Qatif families: "Why are you stopping the girls?"&nbsp;

She was accused of "interference" and told that their fathers were hellbent on preventing their daughters from driving. The women appeared to have no say in the matter.

The crackdown on female activists that preceded the reform sparked a torrent of global criticism and cast a spotlight on the kingdom's human rights record.

The government put 11 women on trial this March amid claims that some were&nbsp;tortured and sexually harassed by interrogators. Saudi authorities deny the charge.

Most of the 11 were veterans of the campaign for the right to drive, including some who took part in the kingdom's first driving protest in&nbsp;1990.

The women were charged with&nbsp;speaking to international journalists, diplomats, and human rights organisations.&nbsp;

Eight have since been temporarily released, but still face trial.

Observers said the crackdown aimed to&nbsp;send a clear signal that the state is the sole agent of change.

Still, many Saudis say decades of fearless activism played a role in ending the ban.

"They paved the way for us," said Fakher.

Buckling up in a pearl-silver Lexus, Sabeeha al-Fakher takes the wheel and relegates her son to the passenger seat, a role reversal the 68-year-old Saudi widow never imagined would be possible in her lifetime.

Buckling up in a pearl-silver Lexus, Sabeeha al-Fakher takes the wheel and relegates her son to the passenger seat, a role reversal the 68-year-old Saudi widow never imagined would be possible in her lifetime. Until June 24 last year, the act would have been considered a crime in Saudi Arabia, where hardliners have preached for decades that allowing women to drive would promote gender mixing and promiscuity. Overturning the world's only ban on female drivers has potentially put thousands of women behind the wheel in the most visible symbol of the conservative kingdom's modernisation drive. Among them is Fakher, a mother-of-five who never thought she would see the reform, which ushered in a new era of freedom and mobility for women. "I still don't believe it," she said, zipping past younger drivers in her native eastern city of Qatif. Her husband, who passed away a decade ago, secretly taught her how to drive during trips to neighbouring Bahrain in the 1990s, despite the risk of infuriating family patriarchs. The reform has freed many Saudi women from their dependence on private chauffeurs and male relatives. "We feel like (we were) in a cage before," said Munirah al-Sinani, a 72-year-old mother of four, driving in the nearby city of Dhahran with her husband in the passenger seat. "Open the cage. We fly, we go wherever." Arson attacks The move was part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's much-trumpeted reform drive aimed at overhauling the conservative petro-state, long criticised over its treatment of women. But as authorities detained several veteran women's rights campaigners in the weeks before the ban was lifted, it became clear that the reform drive would not include greater political freedoms. However, with the kingdom tightening its purse strings amid low oil prices, their new-found mobility allows women to join a labour market chronically short of female workers. Some three million women could receive licences and start driving by 2020, according to consultancy firm PwC. Only a handful of driving schools for women have cropped up in Saudi cities, where applicants have rushed to learn to drive cars and even Harley-Davidson motorbikes -- scenes unimaginable until recently. But in a society steeped in conservatism, many say they have endured sexism and aggression. Social media is rife with memes of traffic pileups blamed on women drivers, along with condescending messages advising women to "avoid wearing makeup" while driving. More alarmingly, arsonists "opposed to female drivers" torched a woman's car near the holy city of Mecca last July, Saudi media reported. The woman had reportedly started driving to save money -- she had been spending much of her salary on hiring a driver. Since then local media has reported at least five more arson attacks on women's cars in several cities. Opposition from 'guardians' Many women also face opposition from family members, in a country where women are often only as free as their "guardians" –- husbands, fathers and other male relatives –- allow. Women need a guardian's permission to study, get married or even renew passports. That is not the case for driving licenses, but it is unclear what legal recourse women have if guardians physically prevent them from taking the wheel. Fakher recalled asking two conservative Qatif families: "Why are you stopping the girls?" She was accused of "interference" and told that their fathers were hellbent on preventing their daughters from driving. The women appeared to have no say in the matter. The crackdown on female activists that preceded the reform sparked a torrent of global criticism and cast a spotlight on the kingdom's human rights record. The government put 11 women on trial this March amid claims that some were tortured and sexually harassed by interrogators. Saudi authorities deny the charge. Most of the 11 were veterans of the campaign for the right to drive, including some who took part in the kingdom's first driving protest in 1990. The women were charged with speaking to international journalists, diplomats, and human rights organisations. Eight have since been temporarily released, but still face trial. Observers said the crackdown aimed to send a clear signal that the state is the sole agent of change. Still, many Saudis say decades of fearless activism played a role in ending the ban. "They paved the way for us," said Fakher.

Behind the wheel, a year on: Saudi women savour new freedom

The US Senate on Thursday voted to block the sale of billions of dollars in military sales to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and other countries, rejecting President Donald Trump's decision to sidestep Congress' review of such deals by declaring an emergency over Iran.

Trump has promised to veto the Senate action in order to proceed with the deals, worth some $8.1 billion. Senators would need 67 votes to override his veto, which looked unlikely after Thursday's votes. The first and second resolutions of disapproval passed 53-45 and a third vote covering the remaining 20 resolutions was 51-45.

Backers of the resolutions, led by Democrat Bob Menendez and Republican Lindsey Graham, said they sent a bipartisan message to Saudi Arabia that Washington is not happy about human rights abuses, including the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at a Saudi consulate in Turkey.

Many also expressed deep concern with Saudi Arabia and the UAE over the war in Yemen, where the two countries are battling Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The United Nations has described the conflict in Yemen, which has killed tens of thousands of people including thousands of civilians, as the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Tensions with Iran&nbsp;

Hours before the vote, Iran shot down a US military drone, escalating fears of wider military conflict. Washington said the incident was an "unprovoked attack" in international air space while Tehran said the drone was over its territory. Trump later said the attack apparently was a mistake by an Iranian "general or somebody."

Opposing the resolutions, the Senate's Republican majority leader, Mitch McConnell, cited tensions with Tehran. "The timing could not be worse for the Senate to send the wrong signal," he said.

Graham, normally a close Trump ally, underscored the unusual divide between the White House and some Republicans over Saudi Arabia in an emphatic Senate speech before the votes.

"You cannot have a strategic relationship with the United States and behave in a fashion that shows no respect for human dignity, no respect for international norms," Graham said.

Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the disapproval resolutions also reflected Congress' desire to preserve its powers to declare war and review major foreign weapons sales. Trump also used an emergency declaration strategy to circumvent Congress and try to get funding for a wall on the Mexican border.

Menendez scoffed at the administration's contention that the threat from Iran was an emergency that warranted so many weapons sales to third countries. "This is a power grab, pure and simple, with lasting implications for the role of Congress in the sale of arms around the world," Menendez said.

The resolutions are expected to pass the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives before reaching Trump's desk.

More legislation expected&nbsp;

Despite Trump's veto threat, members of Congress said they expect some Saudi-related legislation would come into effect this year.

Lawmakers are working on a separate measure "to hold Saudi Arabia accountable" for human rights abuses and Khashoggi's murder.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee also is due to consider as soon as next week legislation that would take away the ability of Trump, or any president, to use emergency authority to sell arms to any country besides NATO members and certain other key partners without congressional review.

Among military equipment in the deals are Raytheon precision-guided munitions, support for Boeing Co F-15 aircraft and Javelin anti-tank missiles, which are made by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin Corp.

Other products involved are General Electric engines for use in F-16 fighter jets operated by the UAE, and a fuzing system for precision-guided bombs from the US unit of French firm Thales SA.

Other companies with products or services in the deals are Britain’s BAE Systems Plc [BAES.L] and Europe’s Airbus [AIR.PA].

In London on Thursday an English court ruled that Britain had broken the law by allowing arms sales to Saudi Arabia that might have been deployed in the war in Yemen, after activists said there was evidence the weapons had been used in violation of human rights statutes.

The US Senate on Thursday voted to block the sale of billions of dollars in military sales to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and other countries, rejecting President Donald Trump's decision to sidestep Congress' review of such deals by declaring an emergency over Iran.

The US Senate on Thursday voted to block the sale of billions of dollars in military sales to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and other countries, rejecting President Donald Trump's decision to sidestep Congress' review of such deals by declaring an emergency over Iran. Trump has promised to veto the Senate action in order to proceed with the deals, worth some $8.1 billion. Senators would need 67 votes to override his veto, which looked unlikely after Thursday's votes. The first and second resolutions of disapproval passed 53-45 and a third vote covering the remaining 20 resolutions was 51-45. Backers of the resolutions, led by Democrat Bob Menendez and Republican Lindsey Graham, said they sent a bipartisan message to Saudi Arabia that Washington is not happy about human rights abuses, including the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at a Saudi consulate in Turkey. Many also expressed deep concern with Saudi Arabia and the UAE over the war in Yemen, where the two countries are battling Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The United Nations has described the conflict in Yemen, which has killed tens of thousands of people including thousands of civilians, as the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Tensions with Iran Hours before the vote, Iran shot down a US military drone, escalating fears of wider military conflict. Washington said the incident was an "unprovoked attack" in international air space while Tehran said the drone was over its territory. Trump later said the attack apparently was a mistake by an Iranian "general or somebody." Opposing the resolutions, the Senate's Republican majority leader, Mitch McConnell, cited tensions with Tehran. "The timing could not be worse for the Senate to send the wrong signal," he said. Graham, normally a close Trump ally, underscored the unusual divide between the White House and some Republicans over Saudi Arabia in an emphatic Senate speech before the votes. "You cannot have a strategic relationship with the United States and behave in a fashion that shows no respect for human dignity, no respect for international norms," Graham said. Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the disapproval resolutions also reflected Congress' desire to preserve its powers to declare war and review major foreign weapons sales. Trump also used an emergency declaration strategy to circumvent Congress and try to get funding for a wall on the Mexican border. Menendez scoffed at the administration's contention that the threat from Iran was an emergency that warranted so many weapons sales to third countries. "This is a power grab, pure and simple, with lasting implications for the role of Congress in the sale of arms around the world," Menendez said. The resolutions are expected to pass the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives before reaching Trump's desk. More legislation expected Despite Trump's veto threat, members of Congress said they expect some Saudi-related legislation would come into effect this year. Lawmakers are working on a separate measure "to hold Saudi Arabia accountable" for human rights abuses and Khashoggi's murder. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee also is due to consider as soon as next week legislation that would take away the ability of Trump, or any president, to use emergency authority to sell arms to any country besides NATO members and certain other key partners without congressional review. Among military equipment in the deals are Raytheon precision-guided munitions, support for Boeing Co F-15 aircraft and Javelin anti-tank missiles, which are made by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin Corp. Other products involved are General Electric engines for use in F-16 fighter jets operated by the UAE, and a fuzing system for precision-guided bombs from the US unit of French firm Thales SA. Other companies with products or services in the deals are Britain’s BAE Systems Plc [BAES.L] and Europe’s Airbus [AIR.PA]. In London on Thursday an English court ruled that Britain had broken the law by allowing arms sales to Saudi Arabia that might have been deployed in the war in Yemen, after activists said there was evidence the weapons had been used in violation of human rights statutes.

US Senate rejects Saudi arms sales in rebuke to Trump

U.S. Senate Blocks The Sale Of Billions Of Dollars Worth Of Weapons In Saudi Arabia

Gravitas: Senate Rebukes U.S Arms sale to Saudi Arabia

The U.S. Senate on Thursday backed a resolution opposing President Donald Trump's plan to complete weapons sales to Saudi Arabia and other countries, in a rare rebuke of the White House by some of his fellow Republicans in Congress.

U.S Senate rejects arms sale to Saudi Arabia, rebuking Trump

The United States on Thursday added Saudi Arabia and Cuba to its blacklist of countries that it says are not doing enough <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-report-on-human-trafficking-ranks-myanmar-as-worst-offender-147827">to fight human trafficking</a>, a designation that could bring sanctions.

In an annual report, the State Department faulted ally Saudi Arabia for rampant violations against its vast foreign labour force and accused adversary Cuba of trafficking through its program of sending doctors overseas.

Other countries that remained on Tier 3, the worst ranking in the report, included China, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia and Venezuela.

A Tier 3 designation means that the United States can restrict assistance or withdraw support for the country at the International Monetary Fund or other global development bodies.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the United States last year took measures against 22 countries due to the human trafficking designation.

"That action and the message that goes with it is very clear -- if you don't stand up to trafficking, America will stand up to you," Pompeo said as he presented the report alongside Ivanka Trump, President Donald Trump's daughter and adviser.

The president, however, can also waive sanctions over human trafficking, and US officials often hope that the shame of the Tier 3 designation will encourage action, especially when issued against US allies.

On Saudi Arabia, the United States said that the kingdom has prosecuted few traffickers and done too little to help human trafficking victims, instead often jailing, fining or deporting them by accusing them of immigration violations or prostitution.

The report called on Saudi Arabia to do more to screen and assist workers fleeing abusive bosses and to reform its sponsorship system, in which employers control workers' permits to leave the country.

The designation comes despite staunch and increasingly controversial support by Trump to Saudi Arabia on an array of fronts, including its offensive in Yemen, where millions face starvation in what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Pompeo made no mention of Saudi Arabia in his remarks, instead leaving the message to the text of the report.

However, he singled out North Korea at a time that the United States is hoping to restart diplomacy with leader Kim Jong Un, for whom Trump has voiced admiration.

Pompeo said that North Korea was involved in human trafficking at the state level through its deployment of workers overseas and said Pyongyang "uses the proceeds to fund nefarious activities."

He also renewed criticism of China for its massive incarceration of an estimated one million Uighurs and other mostly Muslim members of Turkic-speaking minorities, saying the camps have produced garments, carpets, cleaning supplies and other goods for domestic consumption.

China, facing rising international criticism, describes its camps as vocational training centers aimed at reducing extremism.

Cuba is more frequently in the sights of the Trump administration, which said that the communist authorities threatened or coerced doctors to be part of its medical program, in which Havana sends tens of thousands of low-cost doctors around the world.

Cuba ended the program last year in Brazil after Jair Bolsonaro, the country's incoming right-wing president, described it as human trafficking.

The State Department also upgraded two countries from the Tier 3 designation -- Laos and Gabon.

It credited Laos with providing restitution and services to victims, while Gabon stepped up investigations and signed agreements with neighboring countries in western Africa to combat cross-border trafficking.

The United States on Thursday added Saudi Arabia and Cuba to its blacklist of countries that it says are not doing enough to fight human trafficking, a designation that could bring sanctions.

The United States on Thursday added Saudi Arabia and Cuba to its blacklist of countries that it says are not doing enough to fight human trafficking, a designation that could bring sanctions. In an annual report, the State Department faulted ally Saudi Arabia for rampant violations against its vast foreign labour force and accused adversary Cuba of trafficking through its program of sending doctors overseas. Other countries that remained on Tier 3, the worst ranking in the report, included China, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia and Venezuela. A Tier 3 designation means that the United States can restrict assistance or withdraw support for the country at the International Monetary Fund or other global development bodies. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the United States last year took measures against 22 countries due to the human trafficking designation. "That action and the message that goes with it is very clear -- if you don't stand up to trafficking, America will stand up to you," Pompeo said as he presented the report alongside Ivanka Trump, President Donald Trump's daughter and adviser. The president, however, can also waive sanctions over human trafficking, and US officials often hope that the shame of the Tier 3 designation will encourage action, especially when issued against US allies. On Saudi Arabia, the United States said that the kingdom has prosecuted few traffickers and done too little to help human trafficking victims, instead often jailing, fining or deporting them by accusing them of immigration violations or prostitution. The report called on Saudi Arabia to do more to screen and assist workers fleeing abusive bosses and to reform its sponsorship system, in which employers control workers' permits to leave the country. The designation comes despite staunch and increasingly controversial support by Trump to Saudi Arabia on an array of fronts, including its offensive in Yemen, where millions face starvation in what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Pompeo made no mention of Saudi Arabia in his remarks, instead leaving the message to the text of the report. However, he singled out North Korea at a time that the United States is hoping to restart diplomacy with leader Kim Jong Un, for whom Trump has voiced admiration. Pompeo said that North Korea was involved in human trafficking at the state level through its deployment of workers overseas and said Pyongyang "uses the proceeds to fund nefarious activities." He also renewed criticism of China for its massive incarceration of an estimated one million Uighurs and other mostly Muslim members of Turkic-speaking minorities, saying the camps have produced garments, carpets, cleaning supplies and other goods for domestic consumption. China, facing rising international criticism, describes its camps as vocational training centers aimed at reducing extremism. Cuba is more frequently in the sights of the Trump administration, which said that the communist authorities threatened or coerced doctors to be part of its medical program, in which Havana sends tens of thousands of low-cost doctors around the world. Cuba ended the program last year in Brazil after Jair Bolsonaro, the country's incoming right-wing president, described it as human trafficking. The State Department also upgraded two countries from the Tier 3 designation -- Laos and Gabon. It credited Laos with providing restitution and services to victims, while Gabon stepped up investigations and signed agreements with neighboring countries in western Africa to combat cross-border trafficking.

US adds Saudi Arabia, Cuba in human trafficking blacklist; China, Myanmar remain in list

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-government-to-put-forward-brexit-bill-in-june-218823">British government</a> broke the law by allowing arms exports to Saudi Arabia that might have been used in the conflict in Yemen, a British court ruled on Thursday.

While the court's decision does not mean Britain must immediately halt arms exports, it does mean that there is a stay on the granting of next arms export licenses to Saudi Arabia - Britain's richest Arab ally.

"The Court of Appeal has concluded that the process of decision-making by the government was wrong in law in one significant respect," judge Terence Etherton said as he handed down the ruling.

He added that the government made "no concluded assessments of whether the Saudi-led coalition had committed violations of international humanitarian law in the past, during the Yemen conflict."

London will have to reconsider the way it handles such export licenses to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/saudi-arabia-and-the-wests-right-wing-a-dubious-alliance-187880">Saudi Arabia</a>.

"The decision of the court today does not mean that licenses to export arms to Saudi Arabia must immediately be suspended," he said.

"It does mean that the UK government must reconsider the matter, must make the necessary assessments about past episodes of concern, allowing for the fact that, in some cases, it will not be possible to conclude."

The case was brought by the Campaign Against the Arms Trade against the British government.

"The Saudi Arabian regime is one of the most brutal and repressive in the world, yet, for decades, it has been the largest buyer of UK-made arms," said Andrew Smith from the Campaign Against Arms Trade. "The arms sales must stop immediately."

Rosa Curling, a solicitor of law firm Leigh Day which acted for the campaigners, said the government will now have to reconsider whether to suspend existing export licenses and reconsider its decision to continue to grant licenses.

The British government broke the law by allowing arms exports to Saudi Arabia that might have been used in the conflict in Yemen, a British court ruled on Thursday.

The British government broke the law by allowing arms exports to Saudi Arabia that might have been used in the conflict in Yemen, a British court ruled on Thursday. While the court's decision does not mean Britain must immediately halt arms exports, it does mean that there is a stay on the granting of next arms export licenses to Saudi Arabia - Britain's richest Arab ally. "The Court of Appeal has concluded that the process of decision-making by the government was wrong in law in one significant respect," judge Terence Etherton said as he handed down the ruling. He added that the government made "no concluded assessments of whether the Saudi-led coalition had committed violations of international humanitarian law in the past, during the Yemen conflict." London will have to reconsider the way it handles such export licenses to Saudi Arabia. "The decision of the court today does not mean that licenses to export arms to Saudi Arabia must immediately be suspended," he said. "It does mean that the UK government must reconsider the matter, must make the necessary assessments about past episodes of concern, allowing for the fact that, in some cases, it will not be possible to conclude." The case was brought by the Campaign Against the Arms Trade against the British government. "The Saudi Arabian regime is one of the most brutal and repressive in the world, yet, for decades, it has been the largest buyer of UK-made arms," said Andrew Smith from the Campaign Against Arms Trade. "The arms sales must stop immediately." Rosa Curling, a solicitor of law firm Leigh Day which acted for the campaigners, said the government will now have to reconsider whether to suspend existing export licenses and reconsider its decision to continue to grant licenses.

Britain acted unlawfully on Saudi arms exports, court rules

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said that Saudi Arabia will pay a price for the killing of Jamal Khashoggi. Watch this video to know more.

Khashoggi Murder: Turkey says Saudi will pay the price

A Saudi minister on Wednesday slammed UN rights investigator's claim over the death of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/evidence-suggests-saudi-crown-prince-is-liable-for-khashoggi-murder-un-expert-228685">Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi</a>.

Calling the UN expert report as "unfounded", Saudi minister of state for foreign affairs Adel al-Jubeir said, "It is not new. The (UN) report reiterates what has already been published and circulated in the media. The report... contains clear contradictions and unfounded allegations, casting doubt on its credibility."

A UN rights investigator cited evidence on Wednesday claiming&nbsp;that the proof suggested Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other senior Saudi officials liable for the murder of journalist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jamal-khashoggis-killing-a-murder-that-shook-2018-186106">Jamal Khashoggi</a>.

"It is the conclusion of the Special Rapporteur that Mr. Khashoggi has been the victim of a deliberate, premeditated execution, an extrajudicial killing for which the state of Saudi Arabia is responsible under international human rights law," Agnes Callamard, the UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial executions said in her report based on a six-month investigation.

Agnes Callamard also called for countries to widen sanctions to include the Crown Prince and his personal assets, until and unless he can prove he has no responsibility.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-crown-prince-warns-against-exploiting-khashoggi-murder-227519">Saudi Arabia</a> has regularly denied accusations that the prince was involved in the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Khashoggi, a critic of the prince and a Washington Post columnist, was last seen at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 where he was to receive papers ahead of his wedding.

His body was dismembered and removed from the building, the Saudi prosecutor has said, and his remains have not been found.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Saudi minister on Wednesday slammed UN rights investigator's claim over the death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Calling the UN expert report as "unfounded", Saudi minister of state for foreign affairs Adel al-Jubeir said, "It is not new.

A Saudi minister on Wednesday slammed UN rights investigator's claim over the death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Calling the UN expert report as "unfounded", Saudi minister of state for foreign affairs Adel al-Jubeir said, "It is not new. The (UN) report reiterates what has already been published and circulated in the media. The report... contains clear contradictions and unfounded allegations, casting doubt on its credibility." A UN rights investigator cited evidence on Wednesday claiming that the proof suggested Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other senior Saudi officials liable for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. "It is the conclusion of the Special Rapporteur that Mr. Khashoggi has been the victim of a deliberate, premeditated execution, an extrajudicial killing for which the state of Saudi Arabia is responsible under international human rights law," Agnes Callamard, the UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial executions said in her report based on a six-month investigation. Agnes Callamard also called for countries to widen sanctions to include the Crown Prince and his personal assets, until and unless he can prove he has no responsibility. Saudi Arabia has regularly denied accusations that the prince was involved in the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Khashoggi, a critic of the prince and a Washington Post columnist, was last seen at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 where he was to receive papers ahead of his wedding. His body was dismembered and removed from the building, the Saudi prosecutor has said, and his remains have not been found. (With inputs from agencies)

UN expert's report on Khashoggi's murder contains unfounded allegations: Saudi Arabia

Turkey on Wednesday backed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/evidence-suggests-saudi-crown-prince-is-liable-for-khashoggi-murder-un-expert-228685">UN report which held accountable </a>Saudi&nbsp;Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman&nbsp;and other officials for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

In a tweet, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said, "Strongly endorse #UN Rapporteur @AgnesCallamard's recommendations for elucidating Khashoggi's murder&amp;holding those responsible accountable".

A UN rights investigator cited evidence on Wednesday claiming&nbsp;that the proof suggested Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other senior Saudi officials liable for the murder of journalist&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jamal-khashoggis-killing-a-murder-that-shook-2018-186106">Jamal Khashoggi</a>.

"It is the conclusion of the Special Rapporteur that Mr. Khashoggi has been the victim of a deliberate, premeditated execution, an extrajudicial killing for which the state of Saudi Arabia is responsible under international human rights law," Agnes Callamard, the UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial executions said in her report based on a six-month investigation.

Agnes Callamard also called for countries to widen sanctions to include the Crown Prince and his personal assets, until and unless he can prove he has no responsibility.

Khashoggi, a Washington Post contributor and critic of Prince Mohammed, was murdered at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2.

The Saudi journalist disappeared after entering his country's consulate in Istanbul. His disappearance was initially shrouded in mystery and triggered an international crisis for both Riyadh and Washington as Turkish officials accused Saudi Arabia of a state-sponsored killing.

Riyadh, after insisting that Khashoggi left its consulate alive, said more than two weeks afterwards that he died in a "brawl" that arose from a dispute with people he met there.

Three weeks on, the Saudi public prosecutor said the murder was "premeditated" according to information supplied by Turkey.

Khashoggi came from a prominent Saudi family with Turkish origins.

(With inputs from agencies)

 
&nbsp;

Turkey on Wednesday backed the UN report which held accountable Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other officials for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Turkey on Wednesday backed the UN report which held accountable Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other officials for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. In a tweet, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said, "Strongly endorse #UN Rapporteur @AgnesCallamard's recommendations for elucidating Khashoggi's murder&holding those responsible accountable". A UN rights investigator cited evidence on Wednesday claiming that the proof suggested Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other senior Saudi officials liable for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. "It is the conclusion of the Special Rapporteur that Mr. Khashoggi has been the victim of a deliberate, premeditated execution, an extrajudicial killing for which the state of Saudi Arabia is responsible under international human rights law," Agnes Callamard, the UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial executions said in her report based on a six-month investigation. Agnes Callamard also called for countries to widen sanctions to include the Crown Prince and his personal assets, until and unless he can prove he has no responsibility. Khashoggi, a Washington Post contributor and critic of Prince Mohammed, was murdered at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2. The Saudi journalist disappeared after entering his country's consulate in Istanbul. His disappearance was initially shrouded in mystery and triggered an international crisis for both Riyadh and Washington as Turkish officials accused Saudi Arabia of a state-sponsored killing. Riyadh, after insisting that Khashoggi left its consulate alive, said more than two weeks afterwards that he died in a "brawl" that arose from a dispute with people he met there. Three weeks on, the Saudi public prosecutor said the murder was "premeditated" according to information supplied by Turkey. Khashoggi came from a prominent Saudi family with Turkish origins. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkey says endorses UN report on Khashoggi murder

The crown prince of Saudi Arabia should be investigated over the murder of the dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi because there is “credible evidence” that he and other senior officials are liable for the killing, according to a damning and forensic UN report.

'Credible evidence' Saudi crown prince liable for Khashoggi killing – UN report

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has warned against "exploiting" the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jamal-khashoggis-killing-a-murder-that-shook-2018-186106">murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi </a>for political gains, in what appeared to be a veiled attack on Turkey.

Turkey's ties with Saudi Arabia have come under strain since the brutal murder last October of Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, which tarnished the international reputation of the crown prince.

Turkish officials were the first to report the murder and have continued to press Saudi Arabia for information on the whereabouts of his dismembered body, which has yet to be found.

"The death of Jamal Khashoggi is a very painful crime," Prince Mohammed told pan-Arab daily Asharq al-Awsat in an interview published Sunday.

"Any party exploiting the case politically should stop doing so, and present evidence to the (Saudi) court, which will contribute in achieving justice," he added, without directly naming Turkey.

The prince, however, added that he wants strong relations with "all Islamic countries including Turkey".

The CIA has reportedly said the murder was likely ordered by Prince Mohammed, the de facto ruler and heir to the Arab world's most powerful throne.

Saudi authorities strongly deny the allegation.

Saudi prosecutors have absolved the prince and said around two dozen people implicated in the murder are in custody, with death penalties sought against five men.

Khashoggi, a US resident, had written critically of Prince Mohammed and was killed in what Riyadh described as a rogue operation.

Prince Mohammed said the kingdom was committed to "full justice and accountability" in the case, as he faces international pressure to punish the culprits.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has warned against "exploiting" the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi for political gains, in what appeared to be a veiled attack on Turkey.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has warned against "exploiting" the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi for political gains, in what appeared to be a veiled attack on Turkey. Turkey's ties with Saudi Arabia have come under strain since the brutal murder last October of Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, which tarnished the international reputation of the crown prince. Turkish officials were the first to report the murder and have continued to press Saudi Arabia for information on the whereabouts of his dismembered body, which has yet to be found. "The death of Jamal Khashoggi is a very painful crime," Prince Mohammed told pan-Arab daily Asharq al-Awsat in an interview published Sunday. "Any party exploiting the case politically should stop doing so, and present evidence to the (Saudi) court, which will contribute in achieving justice," he added, without directly naming Turkey. The prince, however, added that he wants strong relations with "all Islamic countries including Turkey". The CIA has reportedly said the murder was likely ordered by Prince Mohammed, the de facto ruler and heir to the Arab world's most powerful throne. Saudi authorities strongly deny the allegation. Saudi prosecutors have absolved the prince and said around two dozen people implicated in the murder are in custody, with death penalties sought against five men. Khashoggi, a US resident, had written critically of Prince Mohammed and was killed in what Riyadh described as a rogue operation. Prince Mohammed said the kingdom was committed to "full justice and accountability" in the case, as he faces international pressure to punish the culprits.

Saudi crown prince warns against 'exploiting' Khashoggi murder

A young man from Saudi Arabia`s minority Shi`ite Muslim community who was arrested at the age of 13 will not be executed and could be released by 2022, a Saudi official told Reuters on Saturday following reports of his pending execution.

Murtaja Qureiris, who was detained in September 2014, has received an initial 12-year prison sentence with time served since his arrest and four years suspended for his young age, according to the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The sentence is subject to appeal.

"He will not be executed," the official added.

Rights groups including Amnesty International reported this month that the Saudi public prosecutor had sought the death penalty for Qureiris for a series of offences, some of which they said date back to when he was 10 years old.

Riyadh has come under mounting international scrutiny over its human rights record since the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi last October and the detention of women`s rights activists who are still on trial.

Austria`s government said on Wednesday it planned to shut a Saudi-funded centre for religious dialogue in Vienna after parliament urged it to try to prevent Qureiris` possible execution.

In April, the Sunni-ruled kingdom beheaded 37 men for terrorism crimes. The UN human rights chief said most of them were Shi`ites who may not have had fair trials and at least three were minors when sentenced.

Amnesty said in a statement on its website earlier this month that Qureiris was held in solitary confinement upon detention and subjected to beatings and intimidation during his interrogation. The Saudi authorities deny torture allegations and say they do not have political prisoners.

The Shi’ite-majority Eastern Province, where Qureiris is from, became a focal point of unrest in early 2011 with demonstrations calling for an end to discrimination and for reforms in the conservative monarchy.

Saudi Arabia denies any discrimination against Shi’ites, and has said some protests and attacks by Shi’ite demonstrators were instigated by Riyadh’s arch-rival Tehran, though local activists say this is not true.

Fears of confrontation in the region have risen after attacks on two oil tankers on Thursday in the Gulf of Oman, which the United States blamed on Iran. Tehran has denied any role in the strikes south of the Strait of Hormuz, a major transit route for oil.

The Saudi official said Qureiris had manufactured and used Molotov cocktails in a series of attacks against police and a pharmacy in which he also used firearms, after being recruited by a terrorist cell.

The official said another attack in which Qureiris participated had targeted a German diplomatic vehicle in Qatif region in January 2014. Nobody was hurt in that incident but the car caught fire.&nbsp;

A young man from Saudi Arabia`s minority Shi`ite Muslim community who was arrested at the age of 13 will not be executed and could be released by 2022, a Saudi official told Reuters on Saturday following reports of his pending execution.

A young man from Saudi Arabia`s minority Shi`ite Muslim community who was arrested at the age of 13 will not be executed and could be released by 2022, a Saudi official told Reuters on Saturday following reports of his pending execution. Murtaja Qureiris, who was detained in September 2014, has received an initial 12-year prison sentence with time served since his arrest and four years suspended for his young age, according to the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The sentence is subject to appeal. "He will not be executed," the official added. Rights groups including Amnesty International reported this month that the Saudi public prosecutor had sought the death penalty for Qureiris for a series of offences, some of which they said date back to when he was 10 years old. Riyadh has come under mounting international scrutiny over its human rights record since the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi last October and the detention of women`s rights activists who are still on trial. Austria`s government said on Wednesday it planned to shut a Saudi-funded centre for religious dialogue in Vienna after parliament urged it to try to prevent Qureiris` possible execution. In April, the Sunni-ruled kingdom beheaded 37 men for terrorism crimes. The UN human rights chief said most of them were Shi`ites who may not have had fair trials and at least three were minors when sentenced. Amnesty said in a statement on its website earlier this month that Qureiris was held in solitary confinement upon detention and subjected to beatings and intimidation during his interrogation. The Saudi authorities deny torture allegations and say they do not have political prisoners. The Shi’ite-majority Eastern Province, where Qureiris is from, became a focal point of unrest in early 2011 with demonstrations calling for an end to discrimination and for reforms in the conservative monarchy. Saudi Arabia denies any discrimination against Shi’ites, and has said some protests and attacks by Shi’ite demonstrators were instigated by Riyadh’s arch-rival Tehran, though local activists say this is not true. Fears of confrontation in the region have risen after attacks on two oil tankers on Thursday in the Gulf of Oman, which the United States blamed on Iran. Tehran has denied any role in the strikes south of the Strait of Hormuz, a major transit route for oil. The Saudi official said Qureiris had manufactured and used Molotov cocktails in a series of attacks against police and a pharmacy in which he also used firearms, after being recruited by a terrorist cell. The official said another attack in which Qureiris participated had targeted a German diplomatic vehicle in Qatif region in January 2014. Nobody was hurt in that incident but the car caught fire.

Saudis say Shi'ite man arrested as juvenile will not be executed

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman says his country "won't hesitate" to tackle any threats, as tensions continue to rise in the region. On Thursday, two tankers were attacked in the Gulf of Oman, a month after four others were targeted off the coast of the United Arab Emirates.

Gulf of Oman: Saudi Arabia blames tanker attacks on rival Iran

US Republican members of Congress pushed back on Wednesday against President Donald Trump`s plan to sell $8 billion in weapons to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, saying it was "unfortunate" the administration used an emergency declaration to avoid Congressional review.

Members of Congress had been blocking sales of military equipment to Saudi Arabia and the UAE for months, angry about the deaths of civilians in their air campaign in Yemen, as well as human rights abuses such as the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at a Saudi consulate in Turkey last year.&nbsp;

The Trump administration is pressing Riyadh to show "tangible progress" toward holding to account those behind Khashoggi`s killing, a senior administration official said on Tuesday.

The ranking Republican on the US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs committee, Michael McCaul, said at a hearing on Wednesday that he supports "the efforts of Saudi Arabia to defend themselves against Iran," but "the recent use of this emergency authority, in my judgment, was unfortunate."

Another Republican, Representative Ann Wagner, asked for a better understanding of the administration`s move to sidestep congressional oversight given Saudi Arabia`s human rights abuses.&nbsp;

Citing an Iran-related emergency, the Trump administration told congressional committees on May 24 that it would go ahead with 22 military deals worth $8.1 billion to Saudi Arabia, UAE and Jordan, circumventing a long-standing precedent for lawmakers to review major weapons sales.&nbsp;

Strains between Washington and Tehran have increased in recent weeks, a year after Trump, a Republican, abandoned a 2015 nuclear accord between Iran and world powers to curb Tehran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.

Trump’s administration announced that it was sending 1,500 additional troops to the Middle East, which it described as an effort to bolster defences against what it sees as a threat of potential attack by Iran.

Iran has warned against any military aggression.&nbsp;

"Iran will never initiate a war but will give a crushing response to any aggression," Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday.

In a memorandum justifying the emergency declaration, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, "Iranian malign activity poses a fundamental threat to the stability of the Middle East and to American security at home and abroad."

Democrats on the committee called the emergency declaration phony.

Defending the administration`s position at Wednesday`s hearing, assistant secretary of state for Political-military affairs Clarke Cooper said: "This is an emergency, this is a one time event."

However, Cooper later said a "one time event is conditions based," and that this was the fifth time in history that such an emergency was used to push through the sale of weapons.&nbsp;

Cooper said that some of the weapons have already been sent to the customer since the emergency declaration and before Wednesday`s hearing. "Anything that`s what`s called `off then shelf` then it`s already moving" to customers, Cooper said.

But Cooper said "there was nothing new in these 22 sales," indicating that the packages had been previously notified to Congress, but did not progress through the established channels for weapons sales notifications.

US Senators have drafted 22 "resolutions of disapproval." The resolutions are intended to "protect and reaffirm Congress` role of approving arms sales to foreign governments."&nbsp;

Companies that would benefit include Raytheon Co precision-guided munitions (PGMs), support for Boeing Co F-15 aircraft, and Javelin anti-tank missiles, which are made by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin Corp. 
&nbsp;

US Republican members of Congress pushed back on Wednesday against President Donald Trump`s plan to sell $8 billion in weapons to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, saying it was "unfortunate" the administration used an emergency declaration to avoid Congressional review.

US Republican members of Congress pushed back on Wednesday against President Donald Trump`s plan to sell $8 billion in weapons to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, saying it was "unfortunate" the administration used an emergency declaration to avoid Congressional review. Members of Congress had been blocking sales of military equipment to Saudi Arabia and the UAE for months, angry about the deaths of civilians in their air campaign in Yemen, as well as human rights abuses such as the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at a Saudi consulate in Turkey last year. The Trump administration is pressing Riyadh to show "tangible progress" toward holding to account those behind Khashoggi`s killing, a senior administration official said on Tuesday. The ranking Republican on the US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs committee, Michael McCaul, said at a hearing on Wednesday that he supports "the efforts of Saudi Arabia to defend themselves against Iran," but "the recent use of this emergency authority, in my judgment, was unfortunate." Another Republican, Representative Ann Wagner, asked for a better understanding of the administration`s move to sidestep congressional oversight given Saudi Arabia`s human rights abuses. Citing an Iran-related emergency, the Trump administration told congressional committees on May 24 that it would go ahead with 22 military deals worth $8.1 billion to Saudi Arabia, UAE and Jordan, circumventing a long-standing precedent for lawmakers to review major weapons sales. Strains between Washington and Tehran have increased in recent weeks, a year after Trump, a Republican, abandoned a 2015 nuclear accord between Iran and world powers to curb Tehran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Trump’s administration announced that it was sending 1,500 additional troops to the Middle East, which it described as an effort to bolster defences against what it sees as a threat of potential attack by Iran. Iran has warned against any military aggression. "Iran will never initiate a war but will give a crushing response to any aggression," Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday. In a memorandum justifying the emergency declaration, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, "Iranian malign activity poses a fundamental threat to the stability of the Middle East and to American security at home and abroad." Democrats on the committee called the emergency declaration phony. Defending the administration`s position at Wednesday`s hearing, assistant secretary of state for Political-military affairs Clarke Cooper said: "This is an emergency, this is a one time event." However, Cooper later said a "one time event is conditions based," and that this was the fifth time in history that such an emergency was used to push through the sale of weapons. Cooper said that some of the weapons have already been sent to the customer since the emergency declaration and before Wednesday`s hearing. "Anything that`s what`s called `off then shelf` then it`s already moving" to customers, Cooper said. But Cooper said "there was nothing new in these 22 sales," indicating that the packages had been previously notified to Congress, but did not progress through the established channels for weapons sales notifications. US Senators have drafted 22 "resolutions of disapproval." The resolutions are intended to "protect and reaffirm Congress` role of approving arms sales to foreign governments." Companies that would benefit include Raytheon Co precision-guided munitions (PGMs), support for Boeing Co F-15 aircraft, and Javelin anti-tank missiles, which are made by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin Corp.

Republicans in US Congress push back on Trump weapons packages to Saudi Arabia, UAE

Over the past year, France has led a European push to keep trade with Iran alive after the United States tore up the nuclear deal with Tehran and re-imposed sanctions. But over the same period, data show France has cut purchases of Iranian oil and sharply increased imports from Iran's arch-enemy Saudi Arabia.

In recent weeks, France has used its energy needs to justify a surge in arms sales to the kingdom, even if there is no evidence the 50 per cent increase in Saudi purchases of French arms last year was conditional on France buying <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-rises-as-saudi-sees-producers-sticking-with-ongoing-supply-cuts-225845">Saudi oil.</a>

The surge in France's buying of Saudi oil shows Paris is doing less business with Iran even as it publicly encourages European partners to find a way to keep trade with Tehran flowing via the Franco-German-British Index trade system.

It also underscores how difficult it is for global power and permanent UN Security Council member like France to stand up against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-fall-on-weak-demand-growth-rise-in-us-crude-stocks-226381">United States</a> and its closest Arab-world ally when they are determined to put the squeeze on Iran.

Last month, Defence Minister Florence Parly said trade ties with allies like Saudi Arabia were essential to safeguarding France's security and energy interests.

"(Weapons) exports make it possible to forge close ties with states that are strategic for the security of France," she told parliament, one of the first times a senior official has linked arms sales to France's broader economic relations with Saudi Arabia. "It puts us at the heart of the Middle East, a key region for our security interests and our energy supplies."

Asked about the link between oil purchases and arms sales, a French diplomatic source was straightforward: "We want to save the nuclear deal because it helps peace in the region, but we have always had a historical relationship with Saudi Arabia so why would we jeopardize this?"

The sharp drop-off in Iran's ability to sell its oil internationally has hit the economy hard, delivering exactly the impact the Instex system is designed to prevent in the long-term.

French finance ministry data shows France bought 2.2 billion euros ($2.49 billion) of Iranian light crude between April 2017 and March 2018, making it France's third largest supplier.

But over the following 12-months, that figure fell 57% to 936 million euros, with imports from Iran stopping altogether from September 2018 onwards, as sanctions bit.

In contrast, French purchases of Saudi oil jumped 50% to 3.7 billion euros between March 2018 and April 2019.

Industry sources say Saudi and Iranian crude oil have very similar properties that make them good substitutes. Over the same period, Paris also substantially increased its purchases of Russian and Iraqi crude, which are also similar.

All countries had to reduce oil imports from Iran as sanctions mounted, although China and India continued to buy after initial US waivers, although they have now also cut purchases.

Closer Saudi ties

France has nurtured close ties with Saudi Arabia. But the nuclear deal in 2015 between Iran and six world powers - the United States, France, Britain, China, Germany and Russia - eased sanctions in return for Tehran curbing its nuclear programme, providing an economic lifeline for Riyadh's rival.

France, with business ties in Iran, moved quickly to capitalise, and some of its biggest corporations followed. The total was the first international oil company to return to Iran, while other French firms such as carmakers PSA and Renault also moved back.

Between 2016 and early 2018, French purchases of Iranian crude oil soared to more than 2 billion euros a year.

However, US President Donald Trump, who arrived in the White House as Iran's economy was reaping the benefits of the deal, called it "the worst ever negotiated". He pulled the United States out, re-imposed tough sanctions, including on Iran's oil sector, and threatened punishment for allies like France who kept doing business with Tehran.

The US decision was always likely to tighten French ties with Saudi Arabia, said Jalel Harchaoui, a fellow at Clingendael Institute in The Hague.

"The US unilaterally walking away from the JCPOA (nuclear deal) forced France to reduce its economic transactions with Iran. That development is seen as yet another reason to tighten the closeness between Paris and the Gulf capitals," he said.

Saudi Arabia backs the United States' tough line on Iran and has sought to broaden the anti-Iran front. France shares concerns over Iran's ballistic missile programme and meddling in the Middle East, but says engagement is preferable to isolation.

From weapons to energy security

The shift to buying more Saudi oil comes at a sensitive time for France and its relations with the kingdom.

In particular, President Emmanuel Macron is under fire from political rivals and human rights organisations over French weapons sales to Saudi and the United Arab Emirates. Both states have used the weapons in the war in Yemen, where a Saudi-led coalition is fighting Iranian-backed Houthi rebels.

Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian has urged Riyadh to end the "dirty war" in Yemen but also accused Iran of supplying the Houthis with weapons they have used against Saudi territory.

He and Macron have defended arms sales to Saudi and the UAE as necessary in the global fight against terrorism.

Saudi Arabia has been France's top arms buyer over the last five years, with sales jumping 50 per cent to about 1 billion euros in 2018.

Rather than avoiding the issue, Macron's government has sought to draw a link between energy and security in answering criticism over the weapons sales.

"Maintaining economic relations with these countries means keeping a presence in key regions for our security interests and our energy supplies," Party said.

Over the past year, France has led a European push to keep trade with Iran alive after the United States tore up the nuclear deal with Tehran and re-imposed sanctions.

Over the past year, France has led a European push to keep trade with Iran alive after the United States tore up the nuclear deal with Tehran and re-imposed sanctions. But over the same period, data show France has cut purchases of Iranian oil and sharply increased imports from Iran's arch-enemy Saudi Arabia. In recent weeks, France has used its energy needs to justify a surge in arms sales to the kingdom, even if there is no evidence the 50 per cent increase in Saudi purchases of French arms last year was conditional on France buying Saudi oil. The surge in France's buying of Saudi oil shows Paris is doing less business with Iran even as it publicly encourages European partners to find a way to keep trade with Tehran flowing via the Franco-German-British Index trade system. It also underscores how difficult it is for global power and permanent UN Security Council member like France to stand up against the United States and its closest Arab-world ally when they are determined to put the squeeze on Iran. Last month, Defence Minister Florence Parly said trade ties with allies like Saudi Arabia were essential to safeguarding France's security and energy interests. "(Weapons) exports make it possible to forge close ties with states that are strategic for the security of France," she told parliament, one of the first times a senior official has linked arms sales to France's broader economic relations with Saudi Arabia. "It puts us at the heart of the Middle East, a key region for our security interests and our energy supplies." Asked about the link between oil purchases and arms sales, a French diplomatic source was straightforward: "We want to save the nuclear deal because it helps peace in the region, but we have always had a historical relationship with Saudi Arabia so why would we jeopardize this?" The sharp drop-off in Iran's ability to sell its oil internationally has hit the economy hard, delivering exactly the impact the Instex system is designed to prevent in the long-term. French finance ministry data shows France bought 2.2 billion euros ($2.49 billion) of Iranian light crude between April 2017 and March 2018, making it France's third largest supplier. But over the following 12-months, that figure fell 57% to 936 million euros, with imports from Iran stopping altogether from September 2018 onwards, as sanctions bit. In contrast, French purchases of Saudi oil jumped 50% to 3.7 billion euros between March 2018 and April 2019. Industry sources say Saudi and Iranian crude oil have very similar properties that make them good substitutes. Over the same period, Paris also substantially increased its purchases of Russian and Iraqi crude, which are also similar. All countries had to reduce oil imports from Iran as sanctions mounted, although China and India continued to buy after initial US waivers, although they have now also cut purchases. Closer Saudi ties France has nurtured close ties with Saudi Arabia. But the nuclear deal in 2015 between Iran and six world powers - the United States, France, Britain, China, Germany and Russia - eased sanctions in return for Tehran curbing its nuclear programme, providing an economic lifeline for Riyadh's rival. France, with business ties in Iran, moved quickly to capitalise, and some of its biggest corporations followed. The total was the first international oil company to return to Iran, while other French firms such as carmakers PSA and Renault also moved back. Between 2016 and early 2018, French purchases of Iranian crude oil soared to more than 2 billion euros a year. However, US President Donald Trump, who arrived in the White House as Iran's economy was reaping the benefits of the deal, called it "the worst ever negotiated". He pulled the United States out, re-imposed tough sanctions, including on Iran's oil sector, and threatened punishment for allies like France who kept doing business with Tehran. The US decision was always likely to tighten French ties with Saudi Arabia, said Jalel Harchaoui, a fellow at Clingendael Institute in The Hague. "The US unilaterally walking away from the JCPOA (nuclear deal) forced France to reduce its economic transactions with Iran. That development is seen as yet another reason to tighten the closeness between Paris and the Gulf capitals," he said. Saudi Arabia backs the United States' tough line on Iran and has sought to broaden the anti-Iran front. France shares concerns over Iran's ballistic missile programme and meddling in the Middle East, but says engagement is preferable to isolation. From weapons to energy security The shift to buying more Saudi oil comes at a sensitive time for France and its relations with the kingdom. In particular, President Emmanuel Macron is under fire from political rivals and human rights organisations over French weapons sales to Saudi and the United Arab Emirates. Both states have used the weapons in the war in Yemen, where a Saudi-led coalition is fighting Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian has urged Riyadh to end the "dirty war" in Yemen but also accused Iran of supplying the Houthis with weapons they have used against Saudi territory. He and Macron have defended arms sales to Saudi and the UAE as necessary in the global fight against terrorism. Saudi Arabia has been France's top arms buyer over the last five years, with sales jumping 50 per cent to about 1 billion euros in 2018. Rather than avoiding the issue, Macron's government has sought to draw a link between energy and security in answering criticism over the weapons sales. "Maintaining economic relations with these countries means keeping a presence in key regions for our security interests and our energy supplies," Party said.

As Iran nuclear deal flounders, France turns to Saudi for oil

A Yemeni rebel missile attack on an airport in southwestern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-coalition-destroys-yemen-rebels-drone-cave-212077">Saudi Arabia </a>wounded 26 civilians on Wednesday, the Saudi-led coalition fighting the rebels said.

Yemen's Huthi rebels, who have faced persistent coalition bombing since March 2015 that has exacted a heavy civilian death toll, have stepped up missile and drone attacks across the border in recent weeks.

Eight of those wounded at Abha airport were admitted to hospital, coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki said.

The other 18 were discharged after receiving first aid, he added in a statement carried by the official Saudi Press Agency.

The Huthi rebels said earlier that they had launched a missile at the airport in the Saudi mountain resort city.

Flights were disrupted for several hours before returning to normal.

Abha, capital of Asir province, lies high in the lush Asir mountains and is a popular getaway for Saudis seeking escape from the searing summer heat of Riyadh or Jeddah.

Malki said an unidentified "projectile" hit the airport which is used by thousands of passengers a day.

He said at least one Indian was among three women wounded along with two Saudi children.

Malki described the incident as a "terrorist attack" on a civilian target which could be considered a "war crime."

He said the coalition would "take stern action" to deter the rebels and protect civilians.

On Monday, Saudi air defences intercepted two rebel drones headed for Khamis Mushait.&nbsp;

The city, not far east of Abha, houses a major airbase that has been one of the main launchpads for the coalition's bombing campaign in Yemen.

Last month, the Saudi air force shot down a rebel drone that targeted Jizan airport on the Red Sea coast close to the Yemeni border, the coalition said.

The rebel attacks come as SPA reported the coalition was intensifying air raids on rebel positions in the northern Yemeni province of Hajjah.

A Yemeni rebel missile attack on an airport in southwestern Saudi Arabia wounded 26 civilians on Wednesday, the Saudi-led coalition fighting the rebels said. Yemen's Huthi rebels, who have faced persistent coalition bombing since March 2015 that has exacted a heavy civilian death toll, have stepped up missile and drone attacks across the border in recent weeks.

A Yemeni rebel missile attack on an airport in southwestern Saudi Arabia wounded 26 civilians on Wednesday, the Saudi-led coalition fighting the rebels said. Yemen's Huthi rebels, who have faced persistent coalition bombing since March 2015 that has exacted a heavy civilian death toll, have stepped up missile and drone attacks across the border in recent weeks. Eight of those wounded at Abha airport were admitted to hospital, coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki said. The other 18 were discharged after receiving first aid, he added in a statement carried by the official Saudi Press Agency. The Huthi rebels said earlier that they had launched a missile at the airport in the Saudi mountain resort city. Flights were disrupted for several hours before returning to normal. Abha, capital of Asir province, lies high in the lush Asir mountains and is a popular getaway for Saudis seeking escape from the searing summer heat of Riyadh or Jeddah. Malki said an unidentified "projectile" hit the airport which is used by thousands of passengers a day. He said at least one Indian was among three women wounded along with two Saudi children. Malki described the incident as a "terrorist attack" on a civilian target which could be considered a "war crime." He said the coalition would "take stern action" to deter the rebels and protect civilians. On Monday, Saudi air defences intercepted two rebel drones headed for Khamis Mushait. The city, not far east of Abha, houses a major airbase that has been one of the main launchpads for the coalition's bombing campaign in Yemen. Last month, the Saudi air force shot down a rebel drone that targeted Jizan airport on the Red Sea coast close to the Yemeni border, the coalition said. The rebel attacks come as SPA reported the coalition was intensifying air raids on rebel positions in the northern Yemeni province of Hajjah.

Yemen rebel attack wounds 26 at Saudi airport

The United Arab Emirates told United Nations Security Council members on Thursday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-saudi-tankers-came-under-sabotage-attack-off-uae-no-casualties-218248">attacks on four tankers off its coast</a> on May 12 bore the hallmarks of a "sophisticated and coordinated operation," most likely by a state actor.&nbsp;

In a document on the briefing to Security Council members, the UAE, joined by Norway and Saudi Arabia, did not say who it believed was behind the attacks and did not mention Iran, which has been accused by the United States of being directly responsible.

The attacks required expert navigation of fast boats and trained divers who likely placed limpet mines with a high degree of precision on the vessels under the waterline to incapacitate but not sink them, according to the preliminary findings of the countries` joint investigation.&nbsp;

"While investigations are still ongoing, these facts are strong indications that the four attacks were part of a sophisticated and coordinated operation carried out by an actor with significant operational capacity, most likely a state actor," the three countries said in the document.&nbsp;

They believe it was the work of several teams of operatives, which coordinated the timed detonation of all four explosive charges within less than an hour.

The May 12 attacks targeted two Saudi tankers, an Emirati vessel and a Norwegian tanker, causing no casualties but fuelling tensions between the United States and Iran during weeks of escalating rhetoric.

Watch: Saudi Arabia Says Oil Tankers Damaged In "Sabotage Attack" as Middle East Tensions Rise

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/saudi-arabia-says-oil-tankers-damaged-in-sabotage-attack-as-middle-east-tensions-rise-218425/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

US national security adviser John Bolton said on May 29 that the attacks were the work of "naval mines almost certainly from Iran." Tehran denied the accusations.

A few days earlier in May, at the Pentagon, US Rear Admiral Michael Gilday accused Iran`s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) of being directly responsible for the attacks.

While the briefing document did not mention Iran, a Saudi diplomat in New York laid the blame squarely on the country.&nbsp;

“We believe that the responsibility for this action lies on the shoulders of Iran. We have no hesitation in making this statement," said the Saudi ambassador to the United Nations, Abdallah Y. Al-Mouallimi.

THREAT TO GLOBAL ENERGY SUPPLIES

US President Donald Trump`s administration, acting on concerns of a potential attack by Iran on US interests, has deployed 1,500 more troops to the Middle East, accelerated the movement of an aircraft carrier strike group to the region and sent bombers and additional Patriot missiles.&nbsp;

The tanker attacks occurred off the UAE emirate of Fujairah, which lies just outside the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil and gas shipping route that separates the Gulf Arab states - allies of the United States - and Iran.&nbsp;

The three countries said the attacks endangered commercial navigation and the security of global energy supplies. They planned to share the findings of their probe with the London-based International Maritime Organisation.

In the weeks before the attacks, the Trump administration hardened its policy against Iran by fully reimposing sanctions on Iranian oil exports and designating the IRGC as a foreign terrorist organisation.

Trump reiterated this week that he wants to sit down with Iran`s leaders to negotiate a new deal, a year after Washington pulled out of an accord between Iran and global powers to curb Tehran`s nuclear program in return for lifting international sanctions.

Irani Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Tuesday that Tehran would not be "deceived" by Trump’s offer.&nbsp;

The United Arab Emirates told United Nations Security Council members on Thursday that attacks on four tankers off its coast on May 12 bore the hallmarks of a "sophisticated and coordinated operation," most likely by a state actor.

The United Arab Emirates told United Nations Security Council members on Thursday that attacks on four tankers off its coast on May 12 bore the hallmarks of a "sophisticated and coordinated operation," most likely by a state actor. In a document on the briefing to Security Council members, the UAE, joined by Norway and Saudi Arabia, did not say who it believed was behind the attacks and did not mention Iran, which has been accused by the United States of being directly responsible. The attacks required expert navigation of fast boats and trained divers who likely placed limpet mines with a high degree of precision on the vessels under the waterline to incapacitate but not sink them, according to the preliminary findings of the countries` joint investigation. "While investigations are still ongoing, these facts are strong indications that the four attacks were part of a sophisticated and coordinated operation carried out by an actor with significant operational capacity, most likely a state actor," the three countries said in the document. They believe it was the work of several teams of operatives, which coordinated the timed detonation of all four explosive charges within less than an hour. The May 12 attacks targeted two Saudi tankers, an Emirati vessel and a Norwegian tanker, causing no casualties but fuelling tensions between the United States and Iran during weeks of escalating rhetoric. Watch: Saudi Arabia Says Oil Tankers Damaged In "Sabotage Attack" as Middle East Tensions Rise × US national security adviser John Bolton said on May 29 that the attacks were the work of "naval mines almost certainly from Iran." Tehran denied the accusations. A few days earlier in May, at the Pentagon, US Rear Admiral Michael Gilday accused Iran`s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) of being directly responsible for the attacks. While the briefing document did not mention Iran, a Saudi diplomat in New York laid the blame squarely on the country. “We believe that the responsibility for this action lies on the shoulders of Iran. We have no hesitation in making this statement," said the Saudi ambassador to the United Nations, Abdallah Y. Al-Mouallimi. THREAT TO GLOBAL ENERGY SUPPLIES US President Donald Trump`s administration, acting on concerns of a potential attack by Iran on US interests, has deployed 1,500 more troops to the Middle East, accelerated the movement of an aircraft carrier strike group to the region and sent bombers and additional Patriot missiles. The tanker attacks occurred off the UAE emirate of Fujairah, which lies just outside the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil and gas shipping route that separates the Gulf Arab states - allies of the United States - and Iran. The three countries said the attacks endangered commercial navigation and the security of global energy supplies. They planned to share the findings of their probe with the London-based International Maritime Organisation. In the weeks before the attacks, the Trump administration hardened its policy against Iran by fully reimposing sanctions on Iranian oil exports and designating the IRGC as a foreign terrorist organisation. Trump reiterated this week that he wants to sit down with Iran`s leaders to negotiate a new deal, a year after Washington pulled out of an accord between Iran and global powers to curb Tehran`s nuclear program in return for lifting international sanctions. Irani Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Tuesday that Tehran would not be "deceived" by Trump’s offer.

'Sophisticated' tanker attacks likely the work of a state actor: UAE

Republican and Democratic US senators said on Wednesday they would try to pass 22 separate joint resolutions that, if passed, would block President Donald Trump's plan to complete $8 billion in military sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates without congressional review.

Backers said the introduction of the resolutions was intended to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-industry-work-behind-the-scenes-to-save-saudi-arms-package-173335"> "protect and reaffirm Congress''</a> role of approving arms sales to foreign governments."

The announcement followed furious rejection in Congress late last month of the Trump administration's declaration that a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-us-would-be-punishing-itself-if-it-halts-saudi-arms-sales-171391">growing threat </a>from Iran was an emergency that forced it to sidestep lawmakers' review of major arms deals and approve precision-guided munitions, aircraft engines, mortars and other equipment and services for Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Jordan.

"We are taking this step today to show that we will not stand idly by and allow the President or the Secretary of State to further erode Congressional review and oversight of arms sales," Senator Bob Menendez, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said.

The effort was led by Menendez, and Republican Lindsey Graham, a close Trump ally who is also a critic of Saudi Arabia's human rights record.

Members of Congress had been blocking sales of offensive military equipment to Saudi Arabia and the UAE for months, angry about the huge civilian toll from their air campaign in Yemen, as well as rights abuses such as the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at a Saudi consulate in Turkey.

"While I understand that Saudi Arabia is a strategic ally, the behaviour of (Saudi Crown Prince) Mohammed bin Salman cannot be ignored. Now is not the time to do business as usual with Saudi Arabia," Graham said in a statement.

Graham said he expected "strong bipartisan support" for the resolutions.

Many lawmakers say that the powerful crown prince is ultimately responsible for Khashoggi's murder and other rights abuses. The government in Riyadh denies that.

Two other Republican senators - Rand Paul and Todd Young - and three Democrats - Chris Murphy, Patrick Leahy and Jack Reed - also joined the announcement.

'Emergency'

Declaring the emergency, the Trump administration informed congressional committees on May 24 that it was going ahead with 22 military deals worth $8.1 billion, circumventing a long-standing precedent for lawmakers to review major weapons sales.

The decision angered members of both parties, who worried that Trump's decision to blow through the "holds" process would eliminate Congress' ability to prevent not just Trump but future presidents from selling weapons where they liked.

Announcing their plan to introduce the 22 resolutions, the senators said Trump's "unprecedented" action is at odds with longstanding practice and cooperation between Congress and the executive branch.

Reuters reported on Tuesday that lawmakers were working on responses to the administration's action and could file legislation within days. A separate set of legislative responses is being considered in the House of Representatives.

The Arms Export Control Act gives Congress the right to stop major weapons sales by passing a resolution of disapproval in both the Senate and House.

Opponents of the weapons sales said strong bipartisan support for such resolutions would send a forceful message to the administration - as well as defence contractors and the three countries - that Congress was unhappy about the process and could retaliate.

They also said it was possible, given the level of congressional anger over Trump's use of the emergency declaration, that some of the resolutions would garner the two-thirds majorities in the Senate and House needed to override a Trump veto if necessary.

Republican and Democratic US senators said on Wednesday they would try to pass 22 separate joint resolutions that, if passed, would block President Donald Trump's plan to complete $8 billion in military sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates without congressional review.

Republican and Democratic US senators said on Wednesday they would try to pass 22 separate joint resolutions that, if passed, would block President Donald Trump's plan to complete $8 billion in military sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates without congressional review. Backers said the introduction of the resolutions was intended to "protect and reaffirm Congress'' role of approving arms sales to foreign governments." The announcement followed furious rejection in Congress late last month of the Trump administration's declaration that a growing threat from Iran was an emergency that forced it to sidestep lawmakers' review of major arms deals and approve precision-guided munitions, aircraft engines, mortars and other equipment and services for Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Jordan. "We are taking this step today to show that we will not stand idly by and allow the President or the Secretary of State to further erode Congressional review and oversight of arms sales," Senator Bob Menendez, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said. The effort was led by Menendez, and Republican Lindsey Graham, a close Trump ally who is also a critic of Saudi Arabia's human rights record. Members of Congress had been blocking sales of offensive military equipment to Saudi Arabia and the UAE for months, angry about the huge civilian toll from their air campaign in Yemen, as well as rights abuses such as the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at a Saudi consulate in Turkey. "While I understand that Saudi Arabia is a strategic ally, the behaviour of (Saudi Crown Prince) Mohammed bin Salman cannot be ignored. Now is not the time to do business as usual with Saudi Arabia," Graham said in a statement. Graham said he expected "strong bipartisan support" for the resolutions. Many lawmakers say that the powerful crown prince is ultimately responsible for Khashoggi's murder and other rights abuses. The government in Riyadh denies that. Two other Republican senators - Rand Paul and Todd Young - and three Democrats - Chris Murphy, Patrick Leahy and Jack Reed - also joined the announcement. 'Emergency' Declaring the emergency, the Trump administration informed congressional committees on May 24 that it was going ahead with 22 military deals worth $8.1 billion, circumventing a long-standing precedent for lawmakers to review major weapons sales. The decision angered members of both parties, who worried that Trump's decision to blow through the "holds" process would eliminate Congress' ability to prevent not just Trump but future presidents from selling weapons where they liked. Announcing their plan to introduce the 22 resolutions, the senators said Trump's "unprecedented" action is at odds with longstanding practice and cooperation between Congress and the executive branch. Reuters reported on Tuesday that lawmakers were working on responses to the administration's action and could file legislation within days. A separate set of legislative responses is being considered in the House of Representatives. The Arms Export Control Act gives Congress the right to stop major weapons sales by passing a resolution of disapproval in both the Senate and House. Opponents of the weapons sales said strong bipartisan support for such resolutions would send a forceful message to the administration - as well as defence contractors and the three countries - that Congress was unhappy about the process and could retaliate. They also said it was possible, given the level of congressional anger over Trump's use of the emergency declaration, that some of the resolutions would garner the two-thirds majorities in the Senate and House needed to override a Trump veto if necessary.

Republican, Democratic senators seek to block Trump Saudi arms sales

Members of the US Congress, including some of President Donald Trump`s fellow Republicans as well as Democrats, are preparing legislation seeking to block his plan for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/defying-congress-trump-sets-8-billion-plus-in-weapons-sales-to-saudi-arabia-uae-221419">$8 billion in weapons sales to Saudi Arabia</a>, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, congressional aides and lawmakers said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The first measures could be introduced within days, congressional aides said.

Declaring a national emergency because of tensions with Iran, the Trump administration informed congressional committees on May 24 that it was going ahead with the 22 military deals, circumventing a long-standing precedent for lawmakers to review major weapons sales.

The decision angered members of both parties, who worried that Trump`s decision to blow through the "holds" process would eliminate Congress` ability to prevent not just Trump but future presidents from selling weapons where they liked.

The array of military products cleared for sale by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo included offensive equipment like precision-guided munitions, mortars and fighter jet engines, some of which would take many months to be produced and shipped, which lawmakers said belied the administration`s contention that it was addressing an emergency.

Some of the licenses would allow US defence contractors like Raytheon Co and Boeing Co to run production lines in Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

In the House of Representatives, which is controlled by Democrats, lawmakers were considering a bill that would require the 22 licenses approved by the administration to be pulled back and resubmitted through the regular notification procedure, including a 30-day congressional review, Democratic congressional aides said.

House members also may seek to rewrite the Arms Export Control Act of 1976 to impose tighter restrictions on the use of the "emergency authority" provision, tightening the loophole the Trump administration used to justify the sale so it could only be used for "true emergencies," aides said.

BIPARTISAN SUPPORT

House members said they expected any measure would have support from members of both parties.

"There`s a bipartisan resolve that we need to re-evaluate our relationship with Saudi Arabia, most especially the weapons that we sell them," Representative Joaquin Castro, a Democratic member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told Reuters.

Members of Congress had been blocking sales of offensive military equipment to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates for months, angry about the huge civilian toll from their air campaign in Yemen, as well as human rights abuses such as the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at a Saudi consulate in Turkey.

When Pompeo announced the sales in May, Representative Mike McCaul, the top Republican on the Foreign Affairs panel, called the action "unfortunate" and likely to damage future White House interactions with Congress.

In the Senate, congressional aides said, lawmakers planned to file "resolutions of disapproval," setting up votes on each of the weapons deals approved by the Trump administration.

Senator Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of Trump`s, told the Washington Post that they would work together to introduce 22 resolutions.

The Arms Export Control Act gives Congress the right to vote on whether to stop major weapons sales by passing a resolution of disapproval.

Opponents of the weapons sale plan said strong bipartisan support for such resolutions would send a strong message to the administration - as well as defence contractors and the three countries - that Congress was unhappy about the process.

Backers of the plan also said it was possible, given the level of congressional anger over Trump`s use of the emergency declaration, that some of the resolutions would garner the two-thirds majorities in the Senate and House needed to override a Trump veto.

Lawmakers could also include legislation related to the weapons sale in a must-pass bill such as the annual National Defence Authorization Act, a massive defence policy measure currently making its way through Congress.

The US military has cited what it sees as a threat of potential attack by Iran to deploy hundreds of troops to the Middle East, in addition to Patriot missiles, bombers and the accelerated movement of a carrier strike group.

However, administration officials have also sought to reassure members of Congress, and the public, that they are not rushing to war with the Islamic republic.

Members of the US Congress, including some of President Donald Trump`s fellow Republicans as well as Democrats, are preparing legislation seeking to block his plan for $8 billion in weapons sales to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, congressional aides and lawmakers said on Tuesday.

Members of the US Congress, including some of President Donald Trump`s fellow Republicans as well as Democrats, are preparing legislation seeking to block his plan for $8 billion in weapons sales to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, congressional aides and lawmakers said on Tuesday. The first measures could be introduced within days, congressional aides said. Declaring a national emergency because of tensions with Iran, the Trump administration informed congressional committees on May 24 that it was going ahead with the 22 military deals, circumventing a long-standing precedent for lawmakers to review major weapons sales. The decision angered members of both parties, who worried that Trump`s decision to blow through the "holds" process would eliminate Congress` ability to prevent not just Trump but future presidents from selling weapons where they liked. The array of military products cleared for sale by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo included offensive equipment like precision-guided munitions, mortars and fighter jet engines, some of which would take many months to be produced and shipped, which lawmakers said belied the administration`s contention that it was addressing an emergency. Some of the licenses would allow US defence contractors like Raytheon Co and Boeing Co to run production lines in Saudi Arabia. In the House of Representatives, which is controlled by Democrats, lawmakers were considering a bill that would require the 22 licenses approved by the administration to be pulled back and resubmitted through the regular notification procedure, including a 30-day congressional review, Democratic congressional aides said. House members also may seek to rewrite the Arms Export Control Act of 1976 to impose tighter restrictions on the use of the "emergency authority" provision, tightening the loophole the Trump administration used to justify the sale so it could only be used for "true emergencies," aides said. BIPARTISAN SUPPORT House members said they expected any measure would have support from members of both parties. "There`s a bipartisan resolve that we need to re-evaluate our relationship with Saudi Arabia, most especially the weapons that we sell them," Representative Joaquin Castro, a Democratic member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told Reuters. Members of Congress had been blocking sales of offensive military equipment to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates for months, angry about the huge civilian toll from their air campaign in Yemen, as well as human rights abuses such as the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at a Saudi consulate in Turkey. When Pompeo announced the sales in May, Representative Mike McCaul, the top Republican on the Foreign Affairs panel, called the action "unfortunate" and likely to damage future White House interactions with Congress. In the Senate, congressional aides said, lawmakers planned to file "resolutions of disapproval," setting up votes on each of the weapons deals approved by the Trump administration. Senator Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of Trump`s, told the Washington Post that they would work together to introduce 22 resolutions. The Arms Export Control Act gives Congress the right to vote on whether to stop major weapons sales by passing a resolution of disapproval. Opponents of the weapons sale plan said strong bipartisan support for such resolutions would send a strong message to the administration - as well as defence contractors and the three countries - that Congress was unhappy about the process. Backers of the plan also said it was possible, given the level of congressional anger over Trump`s use of the emergency declaration, that some of the resolutions would garner the two-thirds majorities in the Senate and House needed to override a Trump veto. Lawmakers could also include legislation related to the weapons sale in a must-pass bill such as the annual National Defence Authorization Act, a massive defence policy measure currently making its way through Congress. The US military has cited what it sees as a threat of potential attack by Iran to deploy hundreds of troops to the Middle East, in addition to Patriot missiles, bombers and the accelerated movement of a carrier strike group. However, administration officials have also sought to reassure members of Congress, and the public, that they are not rushing to war with the Islamic republic.

US lawmakers to push back against Trump on Saudi weapons sales

saudi-arabia

Saudi Arabia, News on Saudi Arabia, stories on Saudi Arabia, articles on Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia stories at Wion, Saudi Arabia news, Saudi Arabia latest news

saudi arabia