Jamal Khashoggi case: Europeans suspend ministerial visits to Saudi Arabia

(B2) The probable assassination of the journalist dissident Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi emissaries in the very premises of the Saudi consulate in Istanbul (Turkey) is causing more than trouble among Europeans. After having been somewhat measured in its reaction, the European Union and its Member States have decided to act

The journalist has not reappeared since entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 to look for documents to get married. According to information in the hands of the Turks, reported by the daily Yeni Safak, the dissident was allegedly tortured, his fingers cut off, while he was alive, then beheaded during an intervention inside the consulate itself by a team of Saudi agents who came specially from Riyadh.

A growing concern

The lack of a very clear explanation from the Saudis, while the information held by the Turks clearly pointed the finger at a premeditated action by the Saudi services, raised concern in European ranks. At the last Foreign Affairs Council, Monday (October 15), in Luxembourg, several ministers did not hide their dismay. « I can't imagine the EU remaining silent on this strange case. I hope for an investigation “, indicated the Slovak Minister Miroslav Lajcak. " The European Union expects from the Saudi authorities a thorough investigation in cooperation with the Turkish authorities, in line with what our main partners have expressed in Washington “, assured the High Representative of the Union, Federica Mogherini. " So we hope there will be full transparency and clarity on what happened »

The foreign ministers of the G7 (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom and United States) sang an identical refrain, in a declaration released on Tuesday (October 16), asking “ a thorough, credible, transparent and rapid investigation ».

A concerted initiative

At the European Council on Thursday (18 October), several leaders came out in support of this position. It was the Dutch Prime Minister who, in the first place, carried the iron. " This is a terrible case, a terrible case. [...] I have indicated that I am very concerned about the matter “, underlined Mark Rutte after the meeting in front of the press. He was supported by French President Emmanuel Macron, who was particularly clear on the issue: “ The known facts about Jamal are extremely serious and concerning, we await full clarification ».

The boycott of the Riyadh forum on economic investments

The main countries concerned have added a first concrete measure to what until now was only an oral expression. In a way " concerted “, Dutch, French and British decided to “ postpone certain political visits “, as Emmanuel Macron said. Thus, the planned visit of Bruno Le Maire (the French Minister of Economy) to Riyadh is canceled. Ditto for the Dutch Minister of Finance, Wopke Hoekstra and the British Minister Liam Fox (International Trade) who were also to participate in the investment forum (Future Investment Initiatives) organized in the Saudi capital.

A suspension due to the lack of clarification from Ryad

It is thus a real boycott of this meeting, qualified for a time as 'Davos of the desert', which is organized. A suspension that " was necessary in the short term, given the (serious) facts and the lack of clarification of the events “, justified Emmanuel Macron. " Saudi Arabia has yet to provide any clarification added Mark Rutte. The opening of a Dutch trade mission to the country in December was " jelly ". NB: US Secretary of Commerce Steven Mnuchin will also boycott the forum.

Too early for further action

The Dutch Prime Minister did not want to speculate on other measures of sanctions or follow-up of the situation. " We are awaiting the results of the investigation “, he just let go. Asked by B2 a few days ago, Federica Mogherini's spokesperson also did not want to " speculate " on the subject. But " it is very clear that the case is very worrying, that is why we want clarity on the case before any decision.

The export of arms to Saudi Arabia: a sensitive point

As for the question of arms exports to Riyadh, it remains more than ever posed. Nobody wants to evoke, at least officially, the idea of ​​sanctions. For the Dutch, however, the line to follow is clear: “ The Netherlands has a restrictive arms sales policy to Saudi Arabia ". And Mark Rutte to call on the other European countries " to do the same ».

An upheaval to expect in the Middle East

According to some European diplomats, this case could have serious consequences in the Middle East. For the adversaries of Saudi Arabia in the region, Iran in particular, like the enemy brother of Qatar, it is blessed bread. But for Europeans too, it is a possible upset » which is announced. The European Union was counting on Saudi Arabia in several cases, whether to achieve a political solution in post-war Syria (reconstruction phase) or for aid to the G5 Sahel (Ryad had promised $100 million). This case could be a thorn in the side for Ryad for a few months at least. Conversely, Turkey, viewed with suspicion since the failed coup and the autocratic turn of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, is regaining a certain luster with Westerners.

(Nicolas Gros-Verheyde)

Updated: with absences from the Riyadh Investment Forum of British and Americans