In Khashoggi case, France says it’s not Saudi-dependent

PARIS – France’s foreign minister says the French arms industry isn’t dependent on sales to Saudi Arabia, suggesting that France need not prioritize its economic ties with the kingdom as it weighs the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Jean-Yves Le Drian said Saudi purchases account for around 7 per cent of French international arms sales and that “we are absolutely not dependent on our economic relations with Saudi Arabia.”

Speaking Wednesday on RTL radio, the minister described Khashoggi’s death as “a crime” and “odious.”

He said France will insist that Saudi Arabia uncover the “truth” behind Khashoggi’s killing in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, after The Washington Post columnist entered the building on Oct. 2.

He also said France “will take the necessary sanctions against the guilty,” but gave no details.