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may's saudi dilemma

PM risks backlash after insisting she ‘would meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’ after journalist’s death

THE Prime Minister risked a backlash after insisting she'd be happy to meet Saudi Crown Prince and international pariah Mohammed Bin Salman at the G20 this weekend.

Challenged on whether she would be prepared to shake his hand, Theresa May's official spokesman insisted it was better to "engage" if the West wants to "address issues" surrounding the kingdom.

Theresa May is likely to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at this week's G20 Summit
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Theresa May is likely to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at this week's G20 SummitCredit: AFP or licensors
Mohammed bin Salman has called the killing of Jamal Khashoggi a 'heinous crime', but has also been accused of having knowledge of that crime
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Mohammed bin Salman has called the killing of Jamal Khashoggi a 'heinous crime', but has also been accused of having knowledge of that crimeCredit: Reuters

It came amid extraordinary claims Argentine prosecutors could charge the Saudi Prince with war crimes at the G20 over the murder of Jamal Khashoggi and the Yemen conflict.

Human rights campaigners have demanded Argentine courts should enact a law in the country to prosecute the Gulf royal.

Donald Trump last week sparked outrage in the US by saying he wouldn't punish the Crown Prince over the murder of Jamal Khashoggi.

On Twitter the President said it "could very well be" that the Crown Prince had knowledge of the horrific killing and dismemberment of the journalist before adding "maybe he didn't!".

President Trumps tweeted on the murder that the Saudi ruler may or may not have had knowledge of the crime
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President Trumps tweeted on the murder that the Saudi ruler may or may not have had knowledge of the crimeCredit: Getty Images - Getty
Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was killed during a visit to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul
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Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was killed during a visit to the Saudi consulate in IstanbulCredit: AFP or licensors
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman​ ​calls ​Jamal ​Khashoggi's murder a 'heinous crime'

Theresa May is expected to come face to face with the Saudi Prince at the G20 in Argentina today. Downing Street has so far refused to say whether they will actually hold one-to-one talks.

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The PM's official spokesman said: "We have been engaging with the Saudi government in recent weeks in the wake of the murder of Mr Khashoggi and we have been doing so in order to deliver a message that we want full accountability and full transparency.

"And if the opportunity arises for the PM to repeat that message and deliver important messages in relation to Yemen, for instance, then I'm sure she will take the opportunity to do so."

He added: "Engagement is important if we are to address these issues."

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