Al-Jubeir: The leadership of Saudi Arabia is a red line

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said "The leadership of Saudi Arabia represented in the king and the crown prince is a red line for every Saudi — man or woman."

"The country is totally supportive of them. Every Saudi feels represented by his leadership, and every Saudi represents his leadership. There are outrageous comments that are being made and are totally unacceptable," Al-Jubeir told CNBC's Hadley Gamble on Wednesday.

"The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is committed to its leadership, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is committed to the vision that our leaders have put forth for us in terms of Vision 2030 and in terms of moving along the path of reform," Jubeir said. "And we will continue to move in spite of what people may or may not say."

Also, He told CNN television that “Every Saudi citizen feels represented by the leadership and every Saudi represents their leadership,” he stressed.

The reports of a leadership change had emerged in wake of the murder of Saudi citizen Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul in October.

Moreover, Jubeir condemned some sides for quickly jumping to conclusions and blaming Saudi Arabia for the murder.

“We have seen the media leaks from Turkey and Qatar-owned news agencies that harm Saudi Arabia. We have heard many accusations against the Kingdom, but they are false,” stressed the minister.

What happened to Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul was “unfortunate” and the criminals “will be brought to justice,” he vowed.

“We have clearly stated that the Saudi government was not involved in the affair and the Crown Prince had no role in the matter,” he continued.

“The Saudi investigation is ongoing. Saudi Arabia wants to see more cooperation from Turkey,” he stated, revealing that Riyadh had asked for evidence from Ankara and it was still waiting for its reply.

“Every Saudi national is shocked and angered by this crime. It is a violation of authority and every Saudi wants justice to be achieved,” Jubeir stressed.

The Saudi government is taking the necessary revision of procedures to ensure that similar crimes do not take place in the future, he revealed.

“The world should not judge before the entire details of the investigation are disclosed,” he demanded.

A day before Al-Jubeir's interview, President Donald Trump affirmed his support for the kingdom and its leadership.

Trump said Saudi Arabia was an important political and economic ally, and he dismissed media reports on a claimed CIA conclusion Jamal Khashoggi's killing.

with Asharq Al-Awsat