WASHINGTON – A top Senate ally of President Donald Trump warned Monday of a”devastating” impact on the US alliance with Saudi Arabia if allegationsare confirmed that the kingdom killed a prominent journalist.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said Riyadh must provide “honest answers”after a Turkish government source said that the Saudis killed WashingtonPost opinion contributor Jamal Khashoggi when he visited the kingdom’sconsulate in Istanbul.
Graham said his position was shared by Bob Corker, the chairman of theSenate Foreign Relations Committee, and Ben Cardin, a senior Democrat onthe panel.
“We agree that if there was any truth to the allegations of wrongdoing bythe Saudi government it would be devastating to the US-Saudi relationshipand there will be a heavy price to be paid — economically and otherwise,”Graham tweeted.
“Our country’s values should be and must be a cornerstone of our foreignpolicy with foes and allies alike,” he said.
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Trump and his administration have not commented on the fate of Khashoggi,whom Saudi Arabia insists left the consulate.
Graham has developed a close relationship with Trump, especially on defensepolicy.
A military hawk, Graham has enthusiastically supported Trump’s policy ofworking with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Arab states to contain theinfluence of Iran. – APP/AFP
