President and AK Party Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addressed provincial heads of the AK Party at party headquarters in Ankara.

Touching upon the murder of Saudi Journalist Jamal Khashoggi, President Erdoğan said that they are closely dealing with the issue both because the incident occurred within Turkiye's borders and due to their conscientious responsibility.

Stating that the investigation carried out after the authorities were notified of the incident has led them to the conclusion that Khashoggi was murdered in the Consulate building, President Erdoğan noted that Saudi Arabia, afterward, admitted that Khashoggi was murdered in the Consulate building.

Recalling that 18 people were arrested regarding the incident, President Erdoğan continued: "These 18 people know by whom Jamal Khashoggi was murdered, there is no other explanation because the perpetrator is among them. If not, then they have to explain who the local co-conspirator is."

Underscoring that the information and the documents concerning the murder have been delivered to Saudi Arabia provided that the originals remain in Turkiye, President Erdoğan said that they certainly have further information and documents, and added: "For now, at first step, Saudi officials should explain by whom Khashoggi was murdered."

Pointing out that the chief public prosecutor appointed by Saudi Arabia to clear up the issue will come to Turkiye on Sunday and meet with the chief public prosecutor here, President Erdoğan asked Saudi officials to reveal the person whom Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs said was given the body of Khashoggi and who is referred to as the local co-conspirator.

President Erdoğan further underscored that the responsible, humane and moral stance Turkiye has displayed since the beginning of this tragic incident has been appreciated all over the world. (ILKHA)