Germany rejects own spy agency's criticism of Saudi Arabia
Friday 4 December 2015 13:55 UTC
Last update:
Friday 4 December 2015
The German government on Friday rejected the findings of a damning report on Saudi Arabia by its own spy agency and called Riyadh a key partner in regional conflict resolution.
The highly unusual spat between the chancellery and foreign ministry on one side and the BND foreign intelligence service on the other side erupted when the latter on Wednesday released a report accusing Saudi Arabia of a destabilising shift in foreign policy.
"The until now cautious diplomatic stance of the older members of the leadership of the royal family is being replaced with an impulsive policy of intervention," it said.
In particular, the BND focused on the role of Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who holds the defence portfolio and has largely spearheaded Riyadh's handling of the war in Yemen. Rights groups have repeatedly criticised the strikes, saying they have hit areas where there are no military targets.
The BND said he and his father King Salman, who acceded to power in January, appeared to want to establish themselves as the "leaders of the Arab world" by advancing a foreign policy agenda "with a strong military component as well as new regional alliances".
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