Turkish FM calls for int'l probe on Khashoggi case

By Tugrul Cam

ANKARA

International investigation on the case of slain Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi is crucial at this stage, said Turkey’s foreign minister on Wednesday.

"In any case, Turkey will do whatever it takes to clarify all aspects of this murder," Mevlut Cavusoglu told the parliament’s planning and budget commission, referring to the killing of Khashoggi.

Turkey has conducted a transparent process and the whole world has admitted it, Cavusoglu noted.

Khashoggi, a frequent contributor to The Washington Post, was killed on Oct. 2 inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul.

After weeks of denying involvement, the Kingdom admitted Khashoggi had been killed inside the consulate but claimed the Saudi royal family had no prior knowledge of any plot to murder the journalist.

So far, 18 people -- including security officers -- have been arrested in Saudi Arabia in connection with the murder.

Commenting on Yemen's ongoing conflict, Cavusoglu said Turkey supports efforts of the UN, which has called for a cease-fire.

"Turkey also supports Oman's mediation efforts and has made contact with Iran. It disapproves the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia's policies of besieging all the people in Yemen," he said.

Impoverished Yemen has remained wracked by violence since 2014, when Houthi rebels overran much of the country, including the capital, Sanaa.

The conflict escalated in 2015 when Saudi Arabia and its Arab allies launched a devastating air campaign in Yemen aimed at rolling back Houthi gains.