21 January 2019•Update: 22 January 2019
By Adem Demir
ISTANBUL
Turkey's foreign minister on Monday stated that some western countries are trying to cover up the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
"We see how those, who speak of freedom of press in the world, cover this thing up when they see money," Mevlut Cavusoglu told a youth meeting in Istanbul.
Khashoggi, a contributor to The Washington Post, was killed at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2.
Cavusoglu said that Turkey acted wisely in the case, adding that they were well-aware of the difficulties in shedding light on the murder.
"Now we have made preparations for an international probe in the coming days. We will take the necessary steps," he added.
Turkey has sought the extradition of Saudi citizens involved in the killing.
Ankara wants peace, stability in Syria
Stating that Turkey’s policy on Syria was clear, he added Ankara only wanted peace, tranquility, stability and a political solution in war-torn Syria.
"We continue our quest for lasting peace in our neighbor," Cavusoglu said.
He also said that there were double standards and hypocrisy involved in the fight against terrorism, adding the U.S. continued its support for the YPG/PKK terror group in Syria.
Cavusoglu said the terrorists who target Turkey at present could target others in the future.
"Today the target is Muslims. Tomorrow it may be someone else," he said.
In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of some 40,000 people, including women and children. The YPG is its Syrian branch.
