US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron
U.S. President Donald Trump and France's Emmanuel Macron agreed on Saturday that the Saudi authorities needed to shed full light on the murder in Turkey last month of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a French presidency source said.
The two leaders also agreed that the Khashoggi affair should not be allowed to cause further destabilisation in the Middle East and that it could create an opportunity to find a political resolution to the war in Yemen, according to the official.
Saudi Arabia, which has faces global criticism and potential sanctions over the murder of Khashoggi in its consulate in Istanbul, leads a coalition battling Houthi insurgents in Yemen.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on Saturday that Turkey gave recordings on the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi to Saudi Arabia, the U.S., Germany, France and Britain."We gave the tapes. We gave them to Saudi Arabia, to the United States, Germans, French and British, all of them. They have listened to all the conversations in them. They know," Erdoğan said.Turkish sources have said previously that authorities have an audio recording purportedly documenting the murder.Speaking ahead of his departure for France to attend commemorations to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One, Erdoğan said Saudi Arabia knows the killer of Jamal Khashoggi is among a group of 15 people who arrived in Turkey one day ahead of the Oct. 2 killing.Macron, Trump want more details on Khashoggi killing"There's no need to distort this issue, they know for certain that the killer, or the killers, is among these 15 people. Saudi Arabia's government can disclose this by making these 15 people talk," Erdoğan said.Khashoggi, a Saudi national and columnist for The Washington Post, was killed Oct. 2 inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul.After weeks of denying involvement, the kingdom admitted Khashoggi had been killed at the consulate but claimed the Saudi royal family had no prior knowledge of a plot to murder him.The kingdom's public prosecutor, Saud al-Mojeb, has since said he was killed in a premeditated attack.Khashoggi’s sacrifice changed course of Arab history, says tribute painterErdoğan also accused Mojeb -- who visited Istanbul to discuss the investigation with his Turkish counterpart and make inspections in the Istanbul consulate-- of refusing to cooperate, in turn delaying the inquiry.So far, 18 people, including security officers, have been arrested in Saudi Arabia in connection with the murder.Last week, Turkish prosecutors announced preliminary findings that said Khashoggi was strangled to death in a premeditated killing soon after he entered the consulate.The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office said Khashoggi's body was disposed of after being dismembered.Saudi authorities have so far claimed no knowledge of the whereabouts of his remains.US lawmaker plans bill to punish Saudi over KhashoggiSaudi scholar urges US to review ties with Saudi ArabiaTrump – Erdoğan meetingTurkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also said that he might meet U.S. President Donald Trump if they have opportunity in Paris during the commemorations to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One.Erdoğan will pay an official visit to France on Nov. 10-11, the presidential press office said on Friday. His visit comes at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, said the statement.During his visit, Erdoğan will attend Armistice Day commemorations. The ceremonies -- to be hosted by Macron in Paris -- will also see the attendance of nearly 100 world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.Nov. 11 Armistice Day marks the 1918 end of World War between the Allies and their opponent, Germany, on land, sea, and air.
‘Turkey shared Khashoggi killing recordings with US, Saudi Arabia, Germany, France and UK’
In order to commemorate slain Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, American artist Asiye Allman painted a tribute portrait. Allman, who also wrote a poem to express her deepest condolences following his shocking death, hopes to communicate the pain caused by the horrific murder.Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and critic of Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was killed inside the Consulate of Saudi Arabia in Istanbul after he went there to obtain documents for his forthcoming marriage.Allman works out of a studio in Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet. She settled in the bustling city 40 years ago. Allman avidly follows social and political developments in the Muslim world. Previously, she unveiled paintings that demonstrated her reaction to the July 15 coup attempt that shook Turkey two years ago.Speaking exclusively to Yeni Şafak, Allman detailed the story behind the stunning portrait and moving poem she penned in honor of Jamal Khashoggi:When Jamal was brutally murdered on Oct. 2 at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, I was quietly painting images of Islamic beauty in my studio in Sultanahmet, near Hagia Sophia, in Istanbul. Later that evening, returning to my home in Ümraniye, I read a piece of news, via Yeni Şafak, that I would continue to follow in the upcoming days.In the immediate days that followed, it became apparent Jamal had been killed somehow. My first thoughts went to his pending marriage to Hatice, as I could feel the deep love Jamal had for her. His deep love and future commitment to Hatice led him to take risks. But, Jamal had suffered from loneliness after his self- imposed exile in the United States. Jamal had given up living in his country with his family because of his deep commitment to Saudi Arabia and his need for freedom of expression for all Saudis. Jamal’s pain must have been very intense during his last year. Perhaps, only balanced in some parts, by the results of his actions as an international journalist on the world stage. Jamal made a sacrifice few men have the courage to achieve.US lawmaker plans bill to punish Saudi over KhashoggiAs the weeks followed, the details of Jamal’s death were slowly revealed with great caution by the Turkish government. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, as president, knew quite well that brother Jamal had been a great friend and admirer of Turkey. Turkey had a Muslim moral responsibility to uncover the full truth. Turkey also had a global responsibility to uncover the full truth.Like most of the world, I have had nightmares about the brutality of Jamal’s death. Without a doubt, the story that his fingers were severed while alive had the most horrible impact on my moral consciousness. I certainly pray for Jamal that this part of the story is untrue. Both journalists and artists depend on their fingers to execute their daily work. It is a visual image lodged in my memory until I die.I had never heard of Jamal before his brutal death. But, as I learned his life in Washington DC, I recognized many of the names of think tanks from my own days doing human rights work during the Feb. 28 process focused on Women and Democracy in Islam. I could tell he was important and well-respected in the political halls of my country, as well as Turkey.Saudi scholar urges US to review ties with Saudi ArabiaI have no doubt that Turkey, particularly Erdoğan, will pursue the truth, until all the facts of how he was murdered and who gave the order, are known by the global community. As a painter, I cannot make any contribution to this important process, only pray that Erdoğan will be successful in accomplishing his mission.But, as a painter, I can make a tribute to Jamal’s legacy. I can try to bring out the beauty ofJamal’s humanity and the meaning of his death for future generations. I have a weakness that I will always see the glass of water as full, no matter how empty it is. In this context, I have ignored the horror of his brutal death.Norway suspends arm exports to Saudi ArabiaAs the 40th day of his death approaches, I have painted my painting for Jamal: “White Roses for Jamal”. Jamal is enclosed in a case by two white roses. A white rose is a symbol of purity and faith, which he possessed in full abundance. The hearts around his face symbolize his love for his faith of Islam. The yellow outside the white roses symbolizes the light of heaven, which the birds are carrying his soul to heaven. On the bottom, I have put the symbol of Saudi Arabia.Jamal loved his country!I have no political influence or power. I am not a journalist. I am a simple Muslim woman and painter, who has been deeply moved by the spiritual meaning of Jamal’s life and death. With my painting, I hope Allah has given me the strength to communicate my feelings to others.Khashoggi's fiancée shocked over new death detailsWhite Rose Prayers for JamalMy Muslim brother Jamal:Without doubt,you are now in heavenwith Allahas a guest of honorsitting at a feast tablewith Prophet Muhammedand Prophet Abrahamat each side.Without doubt,you are being served byAsiye, wife of Pharaoh,Meryem, mother of Prophet Jesus,Hatice, wife of Prophet Muhammed, andFatma, daughter of Prophet Muhammed.This special feast tableis decoratedwith white rosesin full abundance.Your sacrifice has changedthe course of Arab history-time will tell the details.You represent thehopes and dreamsof your Arab brothers, sisters,elders and childrenfor a better lifewith freedom of expression.Your life resemblesin many deep waysMartin Luther King, Jr.of America.King had a dreamthat one dayfreedom would ringfor all blacksin America.Likewise, you had a dreamthat one dayfreedom would ringfor all Arabsin the Arab world.The third Monday of Januaryis a special dayin America to celebrateMartin Luther King Jr.’s legacy for future generations.October 2ndwill become a special dayin the Arab worldto celebrate your legacySending white rose prayersof purity and faithto you in heaven.Your Muslim sister Asiye.
Khashoggi’s sacrifice changed course of Arab history, says tribute painter
Trump, Macron hold constructive talks after 'misunderstanding'
U.S. President Donald Trump and French leader Emmanuel Macron held a "very constructive" bilateral meeting on Saturday, an official in the French presidency said.The two leaders met hours after Trump was scathing in a tweet of Macron's suggestion earlier this week that Europe needed a European army to bolster its defence capacities and reduce its dependence on the United States.
President Macron of France has just suggested that Europe build its own military in order to protect itself from the U.S., China and Russia. Very insulting, but perhaps Europe should first pay its fair share of NATO, which the U.S. subsidizes greatly!
The Elysee Palace official said there had been a "misunderstanding" and that Trump, who had tweeted that Macron's comments were "very insulting", had told Macron in their meeting: "I think we are much closer than it seems."
France's Emmanuel Macron and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed on Saturday on the need for Europe to bear more of the burden for defence, papering over an earlier Trump tweet that described Macron's call for a European army as "very insulting".Meeting for talks at the Elysee ahead of commemorations to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One, Macron welcomed Trump with a firm handshake, but there appeared to be less immediate warmth between them than in the past.Seated on gilded chairs, Macron placed his hand on Trump's knee and referred to him as "my friend", while Trump too sought to find common ground on an issue that has caused friction."We want a strong Europe, it's very important to us, and whichever way we can do it the best and more efficient would be something we both want," said Trump. "We want to help Europe but it has to be fair. Right now the burden sharing has been largely on the United States."Trump says wants 'strong Europe', but more defense cost-sharingMacron echoed those sentiments, saying he wanted Europe to bear a greater share of the defence costs within NATO, a point he has made repeatedly since taking office, alongside calls for Europe to develop its own military capability."That's why I do believe my proposals for European defence are totally consistent with that," Macron said in English.Fresh off U.S. congressional elections that saw his Republican Party's power eroded, Trump is in Paris to bolster the U.S.-European alliance during the Armistice commemorations.But in a tweet prior to landing in Paris on Friday, Trump took a dim view of comments Macron made in a Europe 1 radio interview this week.Discussing the threat from cyber-hacking and outside meddling in the electoral process, Macron said Europe needed to protect itself against China, Russia "and even the United States".Trump, Macron at odds on European defense ahead of WW1 commemorationLater in the interview he spoke about the need for a European army, saying:"Faced by Russia, which is on our borders and which has shown that it can be threatening... we need to have a Europe that can better defend itself by itself, without depending solely on the United States."Trump, who has pushed NATO allies to pay more for their common defense and not rely so heavily on the United States, complained."Very insulting, but perhaps Europe should first pay its fair share of NATO, which the U.S. subsidizes greatly," Trump said on Twitter.Trump and Macron are set to hold around an hour of bilateral talks before they are joined by their wives, Melania and Brigitte, for lunch at the Elysee Palace. It is the second time the four have dined together in Paris.Trump rips Macron call for unified European militarySOLEMN COMMEMORATIONDuring the weekend, Trump is scheduled to make pilgrimages to two American cemeteries, Belleau Wood east of Paris on Saturday and Suresnes on the western outskirts of the capital on Sunday, where he will make formal remarks.His trip comes just days after congressional elections delivered results that will complicate his next two years. While Republicans slightly expanded their majority in the U.S. Senate, they lost control of the U.S. House of Representatives to Democrats who may use their newfound power to launch investigations into Trump and stymie his agenda.As well as defence, Macron said he and Trump would discuss trade, Iran and the conflicts in Syria and Yemen. Talks may also cover European concerns about Trump's plans to withdraw the United States from the 1980s Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Agreement and U.S. renewal of sanctions against Iran.Macron told Europe 1 radio that the "main victim" of the U.S. withdrawal from the INF accord was Europe and its security.The French president, who tried but failed earlier this year to talk Trump out of withdrawing from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, has also voiced worries about the impact of sanctions on European companies doing business with Iran.Trump may also chat briefly with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday when both are among some 70 world leaders gathered at the Arc de Triomphe to mark the end of the Great War 100 years ago. Trump and Putin are expected to have formal talks later this month when both attend a G-20 summit in Buenos Aires.Trump, who has pursued "America First" policies since taking over the presidency in January 2017, declared himself a "nationalist" during the run-up to the congressional elections, a term likely to raise concerns in Europe."I'm not a globalist, but I want to take care of the globe, but first I have to take care of our country," he told Fox News Channel's "The Ingraham Angle" last week. "I want to help people around the world, but we have to take care of our country, or we won't have a country." 
Trump, Macron agree on European defence after army spat
The United States wants a "strong Europe" and is willing to help its ally, but Europe must be fair when it comes to sharing the defence burden, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday."We want a strong Europe, it's very important to us and whichever way we can do it the best and more efficient would be something we both want," Trump said in remarks after being greeted by President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.Asked what he meant when he tweeted that he felt insulted by Macron's comments that Europe should reduce its dependence on the United States for security, Trump said: "We want to help Europe but it has to be fair. Right now the burden sharing has been largely on the United States."
Trump says wants 'strong Europe', but more defense cost-sharing
U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron headed towards a potential clash in talks on Saturday after Trump took offense at what he called a "very insulting" comment from Macron about the need to create a European army.Fresh off U.S. congressional elections that saw his Republican Party's power erode, Trump is in Paris this weekend to bolster the U.S.-European alliance at commemorations to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One.But in a tweet prior to landing in Paris, Trump took a dim view of comments Macron made in a Europe 1 radio interview this week.Discussing the threat from cyber-hacking and meddling from outside in the electoral process, Macron said Europe needed to protect itself against China, Russia and even the United States.Later in the interview he spoke about the need for a European army, saying:“Faced by Russia, which is on our borders and which has shown that it can be threatening... we need to have a Europe that can better defend itself by itself, without depending solely on the United States," he said.Trump, who has pushed NATO allies to pay more for their common defense and not rely so heavily on the United States, complained."Very insulting, but perhaps Europe should first pay its fair share of NATO, which the U.S. subsidizes greatly," Trump said on Twitter.The president, joined by his wife Melania and high-ranking U.S. officials, arrived late on Friday aboard Air Force One for a visit that he called "very special" and one that he "looked forward to."On Saturday morning, the U.S. president arrived at the Elysee Palace under rainy skies for talks with Macron. Macron welcomed him at the front steps, but their hand shake and greeting appeared less warm than it has been in the past.Trump says wants 'strong Europe', but more defenwe cost-sharingSolemn Commemoration Trump's official mission on the trip is to participate in ceremonies marking the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One. He is scheduled to make pilgrimages to two American cemeteries, Belleau Wood east of Paris on Saturday and Suresnes on the western outskirts of the capital on Sunday, where he will make formal remarks.His trip comes just days after congressional elections delivered results that will complicate his next two years. While Republicans slightly expanded their majority in the U.S. Senate, they lost control of the U.S. House of Representatives to Democrats who may use their newfound power to launch investigations into Trump and stymie his agenda.Trump's talks with Macron at the Elysee are likely to cover European concerns about Trump's plans to withdraw the United States from the 1980s Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Agreement and U.S. renewal of sanctions against Iran.Macron told Europe 1 radio that the "main victim" of the U.S. withdrawal from the INF accord was Europe and its security.The French president, who tried but failed earlier this year to talk Trump out of withdrawing from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, has also voiced worries about the impact of sanctions on European companies doing business with Iran.Trump may also chat briefly with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday when both are among some 70 world leaders gathered at the Arc de Triomphe to mark the end of the Great War 100 years ago. Trump and Putin are expected to have formal talks later this month when both attend a G-20 summit in Buenos Aires.Trump, who has pursued "America First" policies since taking over the presidency in January 2017, declared himself a "nationalist" during the run-up to the congressional elections, a term likely to raise concerns in Europe."I’m not a globalist, but I want to take care of the globe, but first I have to take care of our country," he told Fox News Channel's "The Ingraham Angle" last week. "I want to help people around the world, but we have to take care of our country, or we won’t have a country." Turkish President Erdoğan due in France for WWI tributeUK PM May dives into flurry of diplomacy in bid to clinch Brexit dealMacron says still pushing for Germans to back digital tax
Trump, Macron at odds on European defense ahead of WW1 commemoration