WASHINGTON (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 17th October, 2018) US Senator Rand Paul said in a statement that the United States cannot call Saudi Arabia a friend because the country is the worst actor in the world who encourages terrorism.
"Saudi Arabia is not our friend," Paul wrote via Twitter on Tuesday. "They are the worst actor out there promoting terrorism."
Paul's statement comes amid controversy concerning the disappearance of Saudi columnist Jamal Khashoggi on October 2. Khashoggi was last seen entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul where he went to receive papers he needed to marry.
Turkish authorities have said Khashoggi they have evidence pointing to Khashoggi being murdered inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. The Saudi government has denied involvement in the case, claiming that the journalist disappeared after he left the consulate.
Paul also said in the statement that the US government should not supply weapons to Saudi Arabia, echoing similar calls by numerous lawmakers in Congress.
Earlier on Tuesday, US president Donald Trump said he spoke to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman who completely denied all allegations of murdering Khashoggi and promised a transparent investigation.
Trump also has said he would not favor freezing US-Saudi arms sales, because it would hurt the US economy, but pledged to get to the bottom of the Khashoggi disappearance incident.
