Spanish minister seeks inquiry into missing Saudi journalist

Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell on Monday requested the Turkish authorities to launch an inquiry into Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi who disappeared after visiting his country's consulate in Turkey.

Khashoggi, a columnist for The Washington Post and Saudi royal insider-turned-critic, went missing on October 2 in Istanbul where he visited the Saudi consulate for paperwork needed for his planned marriage, according to the Turkish media.

Turkish intelligence officials say they have audio and visual evidence that shows he was killed inside the consulate.

Saudi Arabia, however, firmly denies any involvement in his disappearance.

Borrell said a collaborative investigation of Turkish and Saudi authorities was required to clarify the circumstances that led to the journalist's disappearance, Efe news reported.

Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, also called for transparent cooperation between the two affected nations.

Khashoggi's disappearance has drawn international condemnation and sparked warnings from US President Donald Trump of "severe punishment" if the Saudis were found to be behind his disappearance.

Britain, France and Germany also demanded a "credible investigation".

--IANS

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