EU calls for 'credible, transparent' probe on Khashoggi

By Serife Cetin

BRUSSELS (AA) - The EU on Saturday stressed the need for continued “thorough, credible and transparent” investigation into Jamal Khashoggi’s killing.

“European Union, like its partners, insists on the need for continued thorough, credible and transparent investigation, shedding proper clarity on the circumstances of the killing and ensuring full accountability of all those responsible for it,” said a statement by the High Representative Federica Mogherini on behalf of the EU.

Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist and columnist for The Washington Post, had gone missing since entering the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2.

After days of denying to know his whereabouts, Saudi Arabia on Saturday claimed Khashoggi was killed during a fight inside the consulate.

The statement called the circumstances of Khashoggi’s killing “deeply troubling”, including the "shocking violation of the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, and particularly its Article 55”.

The Article 55 foresees "respect for the laws and regulations of the receiving State".

"After almost three weeks, facts are finally emerging, confirming that Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was killed in the premises of the Consulate General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Istanbul on 2 October 2018," the statement said.

It expressed "deepest condolences" to Khashoggi’s family and friends.

"[The EU] pays tribute to the memory of this respected journalist who was in direct contact for his work with many European institutions and organizations," it added.

The EU reaffirmed its commitment to "the freedom of press and the protection of journalists across the world."