Share :

Download PDF :

Al Arabiya, 13 July 2016

Saudi ambassador to Iraq has asked Baghdad for more protection, including the provision of armored vehicles, after receiving threats but so far his embassy has not been given any, the London-based Asharq Al-Awsat reported on Wednesday.

“We requested the Iraqi authorities to take all procedures to ensure protection,” Thamer al-Sabhan told Ashraq Al-Awsat, after what he described as threats coming from political quarters linked to Iran but he did not give any names.

Sabhan also rejected an allegation that he visited Saudi prisoners who were ISIS militants and that he had promised they would be released. “This is false” information, he said

There are about 70 Saudis in Iraqi prisons, he said, adding “it is our duty [to visit Saudi prisoners] and know their situation as per international agreements.”

“Not all Saudis are linked to terrorism, and whoever is proved to be participating in such acts -- not permissible by the Kingdom -- must be given a fair trial. They [prisoners] have human rights, just like Iraq has the right in implementing its laws,” he added.