Saudi crown prince warns against 'exploiting' Khashoggi murder

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has warned against "exploiting" murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi for political gains, in what appeared to be a veiled attack on Turkey. Turkey's ties with Saudi Arabia have come under strain since brutal murder last October of Khashoggi in Saudi consulate in Istanbul, which tarnished international reputation of crown prince.

Turkish officials were first to report murder and have continued to press Saudi Arabia for information on whereabouts of his dismembered body, which has yet to be found.

" death of Jamal Khashoggi is a very painful crime," Prince Mohammed told pan-Arab daily Asharq al-Awsat in an interview published Sunday.

"Any party exploiting case politically should stop doing so, and present evidence to (Saudi) court, which will contribute in achieving justice," he ded, without directly naming Turkey.

prince, however, ded that he wants strong relations with "all Islamic countries including Turkey".

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CIA has reportedly said murder was likely ordered by Prince Mohammed, de facto ruler and heir to Arab world's most powerful throne. Saudi authorities strongly deny allegation.

Saudi prosecutors have absolved prince and said around two dozen people implicated in murder are in custody, with death penalties sought against five men.

Khashoggi, a US resident, h written critically of Prince Mohammed and was killed in what Riyh described as a rogue operation.

Prince Mohammed said kingdom was committed to "full justice and accountability" in case, as he faces international pressure to punish culprits.

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