Erdogan advisor hints ‘deep state’ behind Khashoggi case, denies Reuters report

Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) advisor Yassin Aktay said Ankara did not accuse Saudi Arabia in the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

In an interview with Russia Today, the advisor to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said that Turkey was not accusing the Saudi state in Khashoggi’s disappearance, hinting at the possibility of a conspiracy to divide between Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

He also hinted at the possibility that Khashoggi was abducted by a third party, or perhaps by members of what he called the “deep state.”

He denied earlier reports that quoted him as saying Khashoggi was killed inside the consulate, saying: “What Reuters reported about his killing is not an official statement.”

He also stressed that Turkish-Saudi relations have historical roots, and hopes that they will not be affected by this issue.

Erdogan had said on Sunday that authorities still have expect a positive outcome in Khashoggi’s disappearance, noting that he is waiting for the results of investigations on the Saudi journalist.

The Turkish president said in a speech to members of his Justice and Development Party that he was following Khashoggi’s case himself.

The Khashoggi family confirmed that they are coordinating with the Saudi government to learn about the latest developments in the case. The legal advisor, Motasem Khashoggi, told Al Arabiya English that the family is coordinating with the Saudi government in the case.

He added: “We trust the government and the actions taken, and all the efforts that are taken in the case of Jamal Khashoggi.”