Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau
Saudi Arabia is showing that it will not tolerate any external interference in its affairs. It has thus expelled Canadian ambassador to the country. It has also frozen all new trade and investment with Canada. Saudi Arabia's ambassador in Canada is to return home forthwith.
Saudi Arabia's king(right) and the crown prince
The Canadian foreign ministry had stated in a statemet last week :
''Canada is gravely concerned about additional arrests of civil society and women’s rights activists in Saudi Arabia, including Samar Badawi. We urge the Saudi authorities to immediately release them and all other peaceful humanrights activists.''
However, the Saudis are angry and shocked at Canada's interference. This led to the Saudi foreign ministry describing Canada's position as "an attack" on the kingdom, saying it would now:
1. Freeze all new trade and investment transactions between the two countries.
2. Consider the Canadian ambassador persona non grata and order the envoy to leave within 24 hours.
3. Recall the Saudi envoy in Canada
4. Reserve the right to take further action
3. Recall the Saudi envoy in Canada
4. Reserve the right to take further action
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