Iran Press/ Europe: Switzerland is to reconsider its ties with Saudi Arabia following the killing of a well-known Saudi journalist "Jamal Khashoggi".
The Swiss foreign minister Ignazio Cassis said Switzerland will re-assess its political relations with Saudi Arabia in the wake of the murder of Saudi dissident, Jamal Khashoggi, in Turkey earlier this month.
The Saudi regime finally accepted on 20 October that Khashoggi has been killed in its Consulate in Istanbul.
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According to Swissinfo website, Cassis told the Blick newspaper that there was clear “evidence of human rights violations and disregard for the rule of law”.
Calling for a full investigation of Khashoggi's murder, Cassis stopped short of calling for a suspension of bilateral relations, saying international diplomacy and the promotion of peace were also important factors to consider.
The decision by Switzerland is while this country represents Saudi Arabia’s interests in Iran and Tehran’s interest in Riyadh respectively.
“We want to leave this channel of communication open,” a cabinet spokesman said.
The Swiss government endorsed Cassis statements during Wednesday’s regular cabinet meeting.
The government has also agreed to re-consider a planned visit by Finance Minister Ueli Maurer to Riyadh next year.
Switzerland will join sanctions against Saudi Arabia if the United Nations decides to authorise punitive measures.
A possible similar move by the European Union would be subject to a discussion by the government, according to the spokesman.
The announcement by Swiss is while several countries including Britain, US, France, Germany, New Zealand and Australia have said they refuse to participate in the "Future Investment Initiative" summit in Saudi Arabia.
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According to Swissinfo website, Saudi Arabia is a key partner for Switzerland in the Arab world and the Middle East region.
The trade volume between the two countries was CHF 2.5 billion ($2.5 billion) last year, according to the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs.
Swiss exports include mainly pharmaceutical products, watches and machinery, while Saudi oil exports to European countries indirectly cover about 60% of Switzerland’s crude oil imports.
The government says it has asked Swiss armament companies to use restraint in business deals with Saudi Arabia.
Swiss weapons exports to Riyadh were suspended in 2009, but existing contracts for air defense ammunition and spare parts will be honored, according to Economics Minister Johann Schneider-Ammann.
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UN chief calls for probe into Jamal Khashoggi’s death
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