Erdogan Says Saudis Planned Khashoggis Killing in Turkey …
ISTANBUL President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey on Tuesday raised the stakes in his dispute with Saudi Arabia over what he called the premeditated murder of the Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, demanding that Riyadh supply more answers and hand over the Saudi suspects.
After saying he would reveal the naked truth about Mr. Khashoggis death, Mr. Erdogan, making his first extended remarks on the case, sketched out the chronology of a broad operation.
The 15-member team of Saudi officials arrived in stages in Istanbul to carry out the killing, and included generals, senior intelligence officers and forensic officials, Mr. Erdogan said. The Saudis also conducted reconnaissance in rural areas outside the city where investigators have been searching for Mr. Khashoggis remains, the president said.
It is clear that this savage murder did not happen instantly but was planned, Mr. Erdogan said, challenging the official Saudi account.
But while Mr. Erdogan offered some new details and confirmed others, the speech mainly served to make clear that Mr. Erdogan had no intention of dropping a case that has created an international furor.
He pressed the Saudis for an honest accounting of a killing that he pointedly noted occurred inside his country, and he posed a series of tough questions, throwing down a challenge to the Saudi leadership.
Why was a team of 15 Saudi men, all with qualifications related to the incident, gathering in Istanbul on the day of the murder? We are seeking answers to this question. On whose orders did those individuals go there?
Saudi Arabia has said that 18 officials are under investigation in the killing, but Mr. Erdogan said that he would call King Salman of Saudi Arabia and ask that the case be adjudicated in Istanbul, not in Riyadh or elsewhere in Saudi Arabia.
The killing of Mr. Khashoggi, 59, inside the Saudi Consulate raised questions of international law and diplomatic conventions that concerned the entire world community, Mr. Erdogan said, clearly trying to broaden the pressure on the Saudi government.
This murder might have been committed at a consulate building which may be considered Saudi Arabian land, but it rests within the borders of Turkey, Mr. Erdogan said, adding that international agreements on the status of consular property cannot allow the investigation of this murder to be concealed behind the armor of immunity.
The Saudi government maintained at first that Mr. Khashoggi left the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul alive on Oct. 2. Since admitting on Friday that Mr. Khashoggi was killed inside the consulate, Saudi Arabia has claimed that his death was accidental and that the operation was not authorized by the countrys crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman.
Mr. Erdogans much-anticipated address, to the weekly gathering of his party in the Parliament chamber in Ankara, came after more than two weeks of carefully orchestrated leaks to the news media by Turkey that implicated the highest levels of the Saudi government.
Mr. Erdogan promised on Sunday that he would reveal the details of Turkeys investigation in his speech on Tuesday. Previously, he had said little in public about Mr. Khashoggis disappearance, but he had waged a behind-the-scenes battle through a campaign of government leaks to international and Turkish news outlets.
Confirming many of those details on Tuesday, the Turkish president outlined the Saudi planning as he gave a detailed timeline of events since Sept. 28, when Mr. Khashoggi first visited the Saudi Consulate to request documents to allow him to marry his Turkish fiance.
Immediately after Mr. Khashoggis first visit to the consulate, some of the consular staff left for Saudi Arabia, Mr. Erdogan said. A planning, a road map started to be established there, he said. Some of the consulate staff going to their country in a hurry implies that the preparations were made there.
Some information being evaluated by our security and intelligence units points to an absolutely premeditated act, he added. But he warned that Turkey would not accept an outcome in which the blame was placed only on those who carried out the killing without also exposing those who gave the orders.
Putting all the burden on a few security and intelligence members would satisfy neither us nor the international community, he said. We could be satisfied only if everyone, from the one giving the order to the one who carried it out, are called to account.
That was the closest Mr. Erdogan came to calling out Prince Mohammed, who has denied any knowledge of the plot despite his close ties to many of the suspects.
Mr. Erdogan showed deference to the Saudi king, but pressed him to conduct a fairer investigation, and the president seemed to suggest that it was not acceptable to allow the crown prince to lead the investigation or to oversee the intelligence service.
I do not doubt the sincerity of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Mr. Erdogan said. Still, such a critical investigation should be conducted by a fair committee which has not the tiniest doubt of connection to the murder.
Mr. Erdogan indicated that there was more intelligence on the case and revealed a few new details, including that Saudi officials had done a reconnaissance of the Belgrad Forest and Yalova, and that Saudi officials had ripped out the hard disk of the closed-circuit television system inside the consulate.
And with rhetorical flair, he enunciated the many questions still outstanding in the case.
Why has the consulate general building not been opened right away but days after? Were seeking answers. When the murder was so clear, why have so many inconsistent statements been made? Why has the body of someone, the killing of whom has been officially admitted, not been found?
Although Mr. Erdogan was careful to avoid a direct clash with Riyadh, the Saudi prevarication has clearly angered him. He told journalists that he had complained to a high-level Saudi delegation that the consuls handling of the case had been frivolous.
Mr. Erdogans promise to give the unvarnished truth caused a new flurry of diplomatic activity. Ibrahim Kalin, the national security adviser and presidential spokesman, said at a news conference in Ankara on Monday that Mr. Erdogan had had a phone call with President Trump over the weekend, and that the two discussed the Khashoggi case.
The White House sent the C.I.A. director, Gina Haspel, to Istanbul to help the Turkish government with its investigation, according to an official. But in Riyadh, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin held a wide-ranging meeting with Prince Mohammed.
Analysts described two camps among political leaders: those who wanted a diplomatic arrangement to allow the scandal to blow over, and those who wanted to take stronger action against the kingdom and even the crown prince.
On Sunday, the spokesman for Mr. Erdogans Justice and Development Party, Omer Celik, dismissed any suggestion of a deal being hatched between Turkey and Saudi Arabia or indeed among Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the United States.
The claim of negotiations is immoral, he said at a news briefing in Ankara. It is our duty of honor to bring out the truth. This is a situation in which Turkey is appreciated.
Turkish officials echoed Mr. Erdogans challenge to the Saudi government and to the crown prince in particular to come clean. Yet there were signs of softness amid the outrage.
The issue is to reveal a vicious murder, Mr. Kalin, the presidential spokesman, said.
Our presidents line is clear from the beginning, he added. It is our duty and aim to reveal the event in all its details. Nothing about this event will stay a secret, he said, adding a non sequitur: Saudi Arabia is a brother country to us.
After listening to Mr. Erdogans speech on Tuesday, Soner Cagaptay, director of the Turkish Research Program at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said, He doesnt want to rupture with the Saudi king.
Erdogan has always been deferential toward the king, whom he respects as the protector of Islams holy mosques, and has decided to separate the king from his son, targeting only the crown prince, he said.
The speech pointed to a success of American mediation in the affair, Mr. Cagaptay said, adding, Erdogan has agreed to give these efforts more time.
Mr. Erdogan largely confined himself to confirming what his government had already leaked to the news media, occasionally adding new details, rather than dropping new bombshells. And he did not mention Turkish officials claims that his government had audio and video recordings of the killing, and that Mr. Khashoggi had been dismembered with a bone saw inside the consulate.
But while not directly implicating the crown prince, Mr. Cagaptay said Mr. Erdogan was nonetheless charging him with responsibility. Hes embracing a strategy on M.B.S. to undermine him in the long term, Mr. Cagaptay wrote in an email, referring to Prince Mohammed by his initials.
Mr. Erdogan was still intent on internationalizing the Khashoggi case to engage international pressure, particularly from the United States, on Riyadh to replace or sideline Prince Mohammed, Galip Dalay, a nonresident fellow at Brookings Doha Center and a visiting scholar at Oxford University, said in comments before the speech.
Turkey wants him sidelined or for his powers to be dramatically reduced, he said.
Nevertheless, Mr. Dalay added, Mr. Erdogan does not want a direct fight with Saudi Arabia. He does not want to turn this into a bilateral argument between Saudi Arabia and Turkey, he said of the Turkish president. He wants it to be on one side M.B.S. and on the other a murdered journalist.
Read more:
Erdogan Says Saudis Planned Khashoggis Killing in Turkey ...
- As Erdogan cracks down on opposition, is Turkey headed to early election? - Firstpost - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Erdogan Says Yerevan is More Flexible on So-Called Zangezur Corridor - Asbarez - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- 3 mayors arrested in southern Turkey as part of crackdown on opposition to Erdogan - The Times of Israel - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Erdogan expects F-35 deliveries during Trump presidency, rejects Greek concerns - Defence Industry Europe - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Erdogan meets with pro-Kurdish party delegation in 'historic' peace talks - Trkiye Today - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Turkeys pro-Kurdish party will meet with President Erdogan By Reuters - Investing.com - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Erdogan says asked Trump to intervene over shootings at Gaza aid centers - The Times of Israel - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Erdogan confident Turkey to be readmitted to F-35 programme - The New Arab - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Turkish Police Detain Three More Mayors From Party Opposed to Erdogan - WSJ - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Erdogan confident Turkey will receive F-35 jets under deal with Trump - eKathimerini.com - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Erdogan: Peace with Kurds to gain momentum as PKK starts laying down arms - kurdistan24.net - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Erdogan says PKK arms decision will accelerate peace process - Trkiye Today - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- PKK disarmament to boost peace with Kurds: Erdogan - New Age BD - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Erdogan and Sharif discuss trade expansion and Gaza crisis at Azerbaijan summit - Trkiye Today - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Armenias vision of unblocking anchored on sovereignty and national jurisdiction: Foreign Ministry responds to Erdogan - Armenpress - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Erdogan: I truly believe Khankendi will become a center of peace - Latest news from Azerbaijan - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- As Trump Pushes Syria Toward Israel, Erdogan Asks What's in It for Him - Haaretz - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Erdogan vows action against magazine over alleged religious insult - rudaw.net - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Erdogan pushes for F-35 deal with US in bid to strengthen Turkey's Air Force, expert says - The Jerusalem Post - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Turkey agrees to increase water flow to Iraq after meeting between Al-Mashhadani and Erdogan - Iraqi News - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- President Erdogan to visit Azerbaijan for Economic Cooperation Organization Summit - Trkiye Today - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- U.S. envoy expects Trump, Erdogan to resolve arms sanctions on Turkey this year -Anadolu - Reuters - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Erdogan reiterates gratitude to Azerbaijan for earthquake relief support - Latest news from Azerbaijan - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Erdogan hails 2024 as record year for exports, pledges continued growth in 2025 - TRT Global - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- US envoy expects Trump, Erdogan to resolve arms sanctions on Turkiye this year - Arab News - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- EUs aid to Turkey diverted to spying operations in Europe by Erdogan govt - Nordic Monitor - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Trump, Erdogan hold first meeting at NATO as ties warm: What to know - AL-Monitor - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- President Erdogan condemns terrorist attack in Pakistan near Afghan border - Trkiye Today - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Erdogan Claims Progress in Bid to Secure F-35 Fighter Jet From United States - Foundation for Defense of Democracies - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Turkey hopes for progress on F-35 jets after Trump meeting, Erdogan says - The Times of Israel - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Erdogan says Trump would join Ukraine peace talks in Turkey if Putin attends - Reuters - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- World Juniors Qualifier Talya Erdogan is Headed to George Washington University for 2025 - SwimSwam - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Turkeys Erdogan says positive developments on Eurofighter jets - eKathimerini.com - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Erdogan with Trump after five years: why can they get along better now? - Yetkin Report - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Trkiye in talks with the US to rejoin F-35 programme, says Erdogan - TRT Global - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Erdogan says Turkey hopes for progress on F-35s after Trump meeting - Investing.com - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Erdogan said that the Russian S-400 air defense systems are not enough to protect Turkey - EADaily - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Erdogan says wont let terror drag Syria back to instability - arabnews.jp - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- Erdogan to attend June 2425 NATO summit in The Hague as allies mull defense spending hike - Trkiye Today - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- Erdogan says Israel-Iran war near point of no return, vows to boost missile production - The Times of Israel - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- Armenian prime minister discusses reconciliation with Erdogan in landmark Turkey visit - AP News - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- Armenian prime minister to meet Erdogan in rare visit to Turkey aimed at mending ties - ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- Erdogan vows to boost Turkeys missile production as Israel-Iran war escalates - AP News - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- Erdogan tells Iranian FM talks are only way to settle nuclear dispute - The Times of Israel - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- Erdogan says he's 'optimistic victory will be Iran's' in blistering speech as strikes continue - MSN - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- Turkish President Erdogan warns against 'new Sykes-Picot order' in the Middle East - Yahoo - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- Erdogan: Iran-Israel conflict reaching point of no return - The Times of Israel - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- Pashinyan-Erdogan meeting may be a game-changer in Armenia-Turkish relations - Commonspace.eu - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- Erdogan: Israeli strikes on Iran aimed at derailing nuclear talks with US - The Times of Israel - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- UNRWA to open office in Trkiye: Erdogan - TRT Global - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- Erdogan, Trump tried to broker secret US-Iran talks in Istanbul: Report - Trkiye Today - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- Netanyahu government is the 'greatest obstacle' in regional peace: Erdogan - TRT Global - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan speaks during the 51st Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in... - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- Turkeys Erdogan says Israel attacks aimed to sabotage Iran nuclear talks By Reuters - Investing.com - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- President Sheikh Mohamed and Turkey's Erdogan call for dialogue as conflict rages between Israel and Iran - thenationalnews.com - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Erdogan, Aliyev Rejoice Over Ethnic Cleansing of Artsakh - Asbarez - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Erdogan Attempts to Rally the Muslim World Against Israel - Foundation for Defense of Democracies - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Erdogan says Iran has 'legitimate right to defend itself against Israel's thuggery,' compares Netanyahu to Hitler - The Times of Israel - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Putin, Erdogan condemn Israeli actions against Iran - The Times of Israel - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Erdogan says Iran has 'legitimate and legal right' to self-defence against Israel - Middle East Eye - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Saar slams oppressive and imperialist Erdogan for defending Iran, comparing PM to Hitler - The Times of Israel - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Trkiye will never forget Azerbaijani people's solidarity after earthquakes: Erdogan - TRT Global - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Erdogan slams Israels banditry after Iran strikes - The Times of Israel - June 14th, 2025 [June 14th, 2025]
- Israeli disinformation campaign on President Erdogan's daughter refuted by Trkiye - Trkiye Today - June 14th, 2025 [June 14th, 2025]
- Erdogan steers Turkey toward end of secularism with new constitution draft - The Arab Weekly - June 14th, 2025 [June 14th, 2025]
- Turkey to export 48 fighter jets to Indonesia: Erdogan - The Economic Times - June 14th, 2025 [June 14th, 2025]
- Erdogan: The international community must say stop to Israeli banditry - NEWS.am - June 14th, 2025 [June 14th, 2025]
- Plans afoot for an Erdogan trip to the White House - eKathimerini.com - June 10th, 2025 [June 10th, 2025]
- Erdogan proposes Putin-Zelensky meeting in Turkey, with Trump's participation - Gazeta Express - June 7th, 2025 [June 7th, 2025]
- Turkish President Erdogan greets the nation on Eid al Adha - TRT Global - June 7th, 2025 [June 7th, 2025]
- Turkey becoming one of main centers of peace diplomacy - Erdogan - Ukrinform - June 7th, 2025 [June 7th, 2025]
- Appeasing Erdogan, losing the Med - eKathimerini.com - June 7th, 2025 [June 7th, 2025]
- President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is pushing for Turkish women to have more babies - IslanderNews.com - June 7th, 2025 [June 7th, 2025]
- Turkey's Erdogan appoints legal team to draft new constitution, sparking fears of extended rule - AP News - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- Opinion | Erdogan Might Have Finally Gone Too Far - The New York Times - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- Nuclear bomb, dream of becoming Muslim world leader, India exposed Turkey's thorium plan, Erdogan angry due t - India.Com - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- Erdogan tells Sharaa Turkey welcomes lifting of Syria sanctions - Reuters - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- Turkey's Erdogan says he has 'no interest in being re-elected' - thenationalnews.com - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- Erdogan: Lachin airport will greatly contribute to regional development, global integration - Latest news from Azerbaijan - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- Turkeys Erdogan reiterates pledge not to run for another term - Middle East Monitor - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]