Richard Branson halts talks with Saudis over $1B investment in Virgin Group’s space ventures
British billionaire Richard Branson said on Thursday that his Virgin Group would suspend its discussions with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund over a planned $1 billion investment in the group’s space ventures, in light of the disappearance of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
“What has reportedly happened in Turkey around the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, if proved true, would clearly change the ability of any of us in the West to do business with the Saudi government,” Branson said in a statement.
Coverage of the disappearance of Jamal Khashoggi:
Video establishes timeline of Jamal Khashoggi’s disappearance
Branson also said he would suspend his directorship in two Saudi tourism projects around the Red Sea, citing Khashoggi’s disappearance. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Pressure has mounted on Saudi Arabia since Oct. 2 when Khashoggi, a prominent critic of Saudi policies and a Washington Post journalist, went missing. He was last seen entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2.
Last year, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund said it planned to invest about $1 billion in Branson’s space company, Virgin Galactic, The Spaceship Company and Virgin Orbit.
READ MORE: Donald Trump defends Saudi arms deal amid concerns over missing writer
Branson said on Thursday, “We have asked for more information from the authorities in Saudi and to clarify their position in relation to Mr. Khashoggi.”
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the United States has investigators overseas to assist Turkey in its investigation of the journalist’s disappearance and that they were also working with Saudi Arabia.
© 2018 Thomson Reuters
Editor's Picks
Looking back at the Toronto van attack: How 7 minutes changed the city
'It just gets worse': Resident, families, former staff voice care concerns at Ontario nursing home
'I had to drive home on towels': Exploding sunroofs just the start of the ordeal for many drivers
Fact Check: myths and misconceptions about the carbon tax in Alberta
Oregon has a seven-year pot supply, but Canada can't have any
It’s long been known in B.C. that RCMP not investigating money laundering, sources reiterate
'You just want to be prepared': Why some Muslim Canadian women are taking up self-defence
Deadly export: Canadians responsible for hundreds of terrorism deaths and injuries overseas
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.