Saudi cuts back diplomatic ties to Libya
Saudi Arabia is withdrawing its ambassador to Libya in what the kingdom called a measured response to reports that Tripoli had plotted to assassinate its crown prince.
The alleged plot was outlined by US investigators in their case against a prominent US Muslim activist who was sentenced earlier this year to 23 years in prison for illegal business dealings with Libya.
Saudi foreign minister Prince Saud said the Libyans would be sent a communiqué today demanding their envoy in Riyadh returns home.
He said Libya’s embassy in Riyadh would remain open as the Saudis did not want the Libyan people to suffer, particularly with the annual Muslim pilgrimage to holy sites in Saudi Arabia scheduled to start next month.
The Saudi move came months after the assassination plot was first reported.
