Saudis denounce US Senate ‘interference’ as threat to close ties

America's relationship with key Middle East ally Saudi Arabia suffered a blow today as it issued a stinging rebuke to US lawmakers.

Riyadh denounced Senate “interference” after it passed resolutions last week demanding the withdrawal of US support for the war in Yemen and blaming the kingdom’s crown prince for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

In a statement released through Saudi’s ministry of foreign affairs, Riyadh appeared to underscore President Donald Trump’s warnings that speculation over the Washington Post columnist’s death could wreck close ties with one of the world’s biggest oil producers.

“The recent position of the United States Senate, which has been built on baseless allegations and accusations, includes blatant interference in its internal affairs and the role of the kingdom at the regional and international level. The kingdom has previously asserted that the murder of Saudi citizen Jamal Khashoggi is a deplorable crime that does not reflect the kingdom’s policy, nor its institutions, and reaffirms its rejection of any attempts to take the case out of the path of justice in the kingdom,” the statement said.

In a thinly veiled threat, it added: “The kingdom hopes that it is not drawn into domestic political debates in the United States, to avoid any ramifications on the ties between the two countries that could have significant negative impacts on this important strategic relationship.”

The Saudis maintain Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had no part in the murder of Mr Khashoggi inside its consulate in Turkey on October 2 and insist it was the result of a rogue operation.

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The Saudi-backed military action in Yemen has been aimed at restoring the government of exiled President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi.

Neither of the Senate votes are likely to result in legislation.

A UN-brokered ceasefire in the key Yemeni port of Hodeidah was due to become active tomorrow, after an initial “immediate” deal agreed last week was followed by continued fighting.