After the United States Senate voted for resolutions to end U.S. military support for the war in Yemen, Saudi Arabia publicly denounced the verdict.
“The Kingdom categorically rejects any interference in its internal affairs, any and all accusations, in any manner, that disrespect its leadership … and any attempts to undermine its sovereignty or diminish its stature,” a foreign ministry statement said.
The statement also addressed that the Saudi kingdom “hopes that it is not drawn into domestic political debates in the United States of America, to avoid any ramifications on the ties between the two countries that could have significant negative impacts on this important strategic relationship.”
The response was issued even though it is widely viewed that the Senate vote was mostly a symbolic reproach of Trump and his staunch support of the Saudis. Symbolic in that while the Senate voted in favor of punishment, Republicans in the House of Representatives have denied any legislation that would negatively impact Saudi Arabia.
The divide of political views has come about after the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and the allegations that Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was involved in the order.
Officials for Saudi Arabia deny any involvement by the crown prince.