Erdoğan says Saudi team planned Khashoggi murder - as it happened

We’re closing the liveblog now. Thanks for reading. Here is Bethan McKernan’s snap news story on Erdoğan’s speech:

A bit more on the possible strategy at “Davos in the desert”:

Here are the main points made in today’s speech by the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan:

• The “savage murder” of the dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi was a premeditated, and meticulously planned, political operation, with Saudi officials scoping out forest areas outside Istanbul the day before Khashoggi died
  
  
• While Saudi Arabia has “taken an important step by admitting the murder”, those responsible must be held to account and an independent, criminal investigation needs to be carried out by Turkish authorities
  
  
• Of the 18 men arrested by Saudi Arabia in the investigation, 15 have already been identified by Turkish police as members of the hit squad who flew in and out of Istanbul the same day Khashoggi was killed.
  
  
• Riyadh’s suggestion the killing was a rogue extradition operation gone wrong is unsatisfactory and Turkey’s investigation is still ongoing. Erdoğan also strongly criticised Saudi Arabia’s “inconsistent statements” over the case so far, and demanded the kingdom identify the “local collaborator” who allegedly disposed of Khashoggi’s body.
  
  
• Tellingly, Erdoğan spoke of Saudi King Salman’s “sincerity” in the investigation so far, but made no mention of his son, Mohammed bin Salman, whom it is believed was probably aware of, and possibly even ordered, the silencing of his prominent critic.
  

Here’s some more analysis from our Middle East editor, Martin Chulov:

Erdoğan clearly calculated that it did not suit him, or Turkey, to release the audio of the killing, and apparent video – both of which multiple sources have confirmed that his officials indeed have.

His decision to return the onus to Saudi Arabia was interesting, and unexpected. After exerting extreme pressure on the kingdom through more than a fortnight of piecemeal leaks, he opted out of a coup de grace when he had the world’s attention.

From the Guardian’s diplomatic editor, Patrick Wintour:

A bit from the Riyadh investment forum:

Saudi Arabia says organisers will be signing deals worth $50bn at the start of a major economic forum in Riyadh.

The Future Investment Initiative forum, which began on Tuesday, is the brainchild of Mohammed bin Salman. It’s aimed at drawing more foreign investment into the kingdom and to help create desperately needed jobs for its youthful population.

The deals will be in manufacturing, transportation and other fields.

Prince Mohammed was not immediately at the forum when it started.

The forum last year proved to be a glitzy affair that drew more international business attention to the kingdom. This year’s event meanwhile has seen business leaders drop out over Khashoggi’s murder. (Via AP)

The Guardian’s Middle East editor, Martin Chulov, writes:

There were few new details in Erdoğan’s speech, which fell short of the expectations he himself had set by claiming it would reveal the “full naked truth” behind Jamal Khashoggi’s death.

• A team of three people arrived from Riyadh on 1 October, the day before the disappearance, and scouted a forest near Istanbul. The implication is that the three men were looking for a place to discard Khashoggi’s remains.
  

• The 18 people arrested by Riyadh included all those who Turkey had named as assassins, as well as three other men, whose identities have not been revealed.

• Erdoğan made no reference to audio or video recordings, which would be deeply damaging to Saudi leaders.
  

He asked for the 18 men to be tried in Istanbul. Throughout his address, he remained deferential to King Salman, and made no mention of the embattled crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman.

Erdoğan’s speech carried a strong implication that the Turkish president does not think Bin Salman is innocent in this case, says our Turkey and Middle East correspondent, Bethan McKernan. Erdoğan also wants Turkey to conduct the criminal investigation.

Erdoğan’s address has made it crystal clear that the murder of Jamal Khashoggi was a premeditated and meticulously planned political assassination. He mentioned that reconnaissance teams went as far as scouting forest areas near Istanbul.

Bethan McKernan on some very telling language from Erdoğan:

“I do not doubt the sincerity of King Salman. That being said, independent investigation needs to be carried out. This is a political killing”

- That’s huge from Erdoğan. Doesn’t mention MbS’s innocence or have faith in Saudi investigation

Erdoğan: Turkish security services have evidence that the murder was a planned affair. Turkey and the world will only be satisfied when all the planners and perpetrators are held to account. Other countries must participate in the investigation.

Erdoğan: why was the 15-man Saudi team in Turkey? On whose orders? Why was the consulate not opened to investigators immediately? Why were so many different statements given by Saudis? Who is the local collaborator who disposed of Khashoggi’s body? Saudi must answer all these questions.

Erdoğan: significant that the Saudis have admitted Khashoggi was murdered. Those involved must face justice.

Erdoğan: evidence suggests Khashoggi was the victim of a “gruesome murder” and an atrocity that must not be covered up.

Erdoğan: Khashoggi’s death is an international issue - and one that Turkey will pursue.

Erdoğan: the consulate is on sovereign Turkish soil and the Geneva convention cannot provide a shield of diplomatic immunity.

Erdoğan speaking about slanderous media campaigns against Turkey; but says country will not give in.