Pompeo: US understands Turkey's concerns

RIYADH

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Saturday said Washington understands Turkey's concerns and its efforts to protect its borders and people.

In an interview with the Saudi-funded Al Arabiya television, Pompeo said the U.S. seeks accountability for those involved in the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who was killed inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul in October.

Pompeo is currently visiting the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of a Middle East tour.

He said U.S. President Donald Trump refuses to limit ties with Saudi Arabia to Khashoggi’s issue.

Pompeo said Trump considers the kingdom a "key ally" for the U.S. and their partnership will keep going.

Khashoggi, a U.S. resident, entered the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul seeking documents that would have allowed him to marry his Turkish fiancée, Hatice Cengiz.

His body has yet to be found amid reports it was dismembered and chemically dissolved.

Riyadh has indicted 11 people over Khashoggi's killing and is seeking the death penalty for five suspects. But critics have suggested the individuals are merely taking the fall for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's operation after an unexpected international outcry.