Nikki Haley Calls Out ’Thuggish’ MBS

Local Editor

Outgoing US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley lashed out at Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman [MBS] on Tuesday, saying he had to "lose" the "thuggish nature in which he has been acting."

In remarks to reporters, Haley spoke up on her thoughts about MBS.

"That's an interesting question," she responded, adding: "First and foremost, [the crown prince] owes us some accountability for what happened to [The Washington Post opinion writer Jamal] Khashoggi. Without question."

Haley was quick to qualify her request that Prince Mohammed bin Salman "lose the thuggish nature in which he has been acting" with praise for the Saudi leader, whom the CIA and most other countries' governments hold responsible for the gruesome murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the country's Istanbul consulate.

She also noted MBS has been "careless at times."

Haley’s remarks came the same day she delivered her final address to the United Nations' Security Council; she is stepping down at the end of the year, to be replaced with State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert.

US President Donald Trump has drawn criticism for failing to condemn MBS over Khashoggi's death.

Trump decided to not pursue further punishment beyond sanctions on Saudis deemed responsible for Khashoggi's killing in early October, citing the importance of diplomatic and economic ties with the kingdom.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team