The US Senate passed two resolutions that have angered Riyadh. Photo: iStock
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Saudi Arabia on Sunday rejected as “interference” a US Senate resolution to end American military support for the Riyadh-led war in Yemen, and another holding its crown prince responsible for the brutal murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi.

“The kingdom condemns the latest position of the US Senate that was built on untrue allegations and affirms a total rejection of any interference in its internal affairs,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Though largely symbolic, the US Senate vote on Thursday was seen as a fresh warning to President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly signaled his backing for the regime in Riyadh despite growing outrage over the Yemen conflict and the murder of Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2.

On the Yemen measure, which more broadly attacks the president’s prerogative to launch military actions, 49 Democrats or their allies voted in favour, along with seven Republicans, while another three Republicans abstained.

Then, in a voice vote with no opposition, the Senate also approved a resolution condemning Khashoggi’s murder and calling Prince Mohammed bin Salman “responsible” for it.

The resolutions cannot be debated in the House of Representatives before January, and would likely be vetoed in any case by Trump.

– with reporting by Agence France-Presse

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