DUBAI – Three European government ministers on Thursday joined an array ofcorporate chiefs in pulling out of an upcoming investment conference inSaudi Arabia, following the disappearance of Saudi journalist JamalKhashoggi.
Company leaders risk losing lucrative business with the kingdom by shunningthe conference, and countries such as the United States, Britain and Francehave several defence deals at stake.
But Turkish claims — denied by Riyadh — that Khashoggi was killed by ahit squad in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 have put them inan awkward spot.
International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde has already withdrawnfrom the Future Investment Initiative taking place on October 23-25 inRiyadh, which is billed as a showcase for the economic reforms of CrownPrince Mohammed bin Salman.
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US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said he would decide later on Thursdaywhether to attend, after reviewing the outcome of a diplomatic dash bySecretary of State Mike Pompeo to Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
The conference’s website previously featured a star-studded list ofspeakers. But that has been removed amid the steady flow of defections. -APP/AFP
