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.
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.
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!".
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.
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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