Expected amendments in the Saudi Crown Prince close circle
The Financial Times published a report on procedures that are ongoing in Saudi Arabia, which are expected to be amendments in the close circle of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman.
The report said Riyadh wanted to be seen as taking measures to address its recent crisis and problems, especially after the incident of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi murder.
The report pointed out that the close circle of the Crown Prince has extraordinary influence beyond its titles, but with the pursuit of King Salman bin Abdul Aziz to contain the Khashoggi crisis; this circle surrounding his son the crown prince is more likely subjected to face major amendments.
“Saud Al Qahtani, the central figure in the close circle of Mohammad bin Salman, has already been sacked after revealing his involvement in the horrific killing of Khashoggi on October 2”, the report added.
“King Salman is very angry about what happened to Khashoggi”, the report quoted someone familiar with the king’s recent talks as saying, adding that he wanted to make further changes in his son’s favorite footnote.
Another Saudi was quoted as saying the expected changes could include the media as well.
According to the newspaper, the changes have already begun.
King Salman agreed last month to establish a “center for communication and knowledge exchange” focusing on following up on issues affecting the image of the kingdom, analyzing it and making proposals to deal with it.
The National Security Adviser position, that was abolished soon after King Salman took office in 2015, is expected to be reinstated with King Salman’s other son the ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the United States, Prince Khalid bin Salman, is believed to be the most likely candidate for the position.
