Photo courtesy: Andrew Harnik/AP
WASHINGTON (Fwrd Axis) — President Joe Biden on Saturday disputed the claims from Saudi Arabia regarding the discussions at a bilateral summit about the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, whose murder was ordered by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to the United States.
U.S. intelligence determined that bin Salman ordered the murder and dismemberment of the journalist, who had long been critical of Saudi Arabia. Speaking to reporters on Friday after their meeting, Biden said he raised the issue of Khashoggi’s murder at the top of the meeting.
“With respect to the murder of Khashoggi, I raised it at the top of the meeting, making it clear what I thought of it at the time, and what I think of it now,” Biden said. “I made my view crystal clear. I said very straightforwardly, for an American president. To be silent on the issue of human rights is inconsistent or inconsistent with who we are and who I am.”
President Biden, returning to WH, says Saudi FM not telling truth
Biden then chided reporter for asking about MBS fist bump, telling press to 'talk about something that matters'
He proceeded to say he's 'hoping' inflation will go down and 'working on' freeing pot inmates https://t.co/NRl6ccmgRI pic.twitter.com/xEUHDHu4MS
— Steven Nelson (@stevennelson10) July 17, 2022
Speaking to reporters as he returned to the White House from his five-day Middle East trip, the President responded to the claims from the Saudi foreign minister said Saturday that he did not hear Biden blame bin Salman for Khashoggi’s murder.
When asked if the minister of state for foreign affairs, Adel al-Jubeir, was telling the truth, Biden responded “no”.
Jubeir spoke to Fox News on Saturday, saying he “didn’t hear that particular phrase” from Biden about blaming bin Salman, known as MBS, for the journalist’s death. MBS also told Biden the kingdom had acted to prevent another killing like Khashoggi’s from happening again but also placed blame on the United States.
Biden greeting bin Salman sparked a backlash in the U.S. as he fist-bumped the crown prince, causing anger from critics to some in Biden’s own party. When asked if he regretted the exchange, the President ignored the question and deflected.
“Why don’t you guys talk about something that matters? I’m happy to answer a question that matters,” Biden said.
