Canada blasts Saudi response to Khashoggi killing

Canada has slammed Saudi Arabia's version of the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, saying the story was not credible.

Ottawa said the report that the 59-year-old journalist died after a brawl with 15 men at the consulate was inconsistent, and called for a "thorough" investigation.

Saudi Arabia spent two weeks denying that Khashoggi died and said that he had left the consulate after completing routine paperwork. 

Early Saturday, Riyadh admitted that Khashoggi had died but did not reveal where his body was or prove the claim.

Khashoggi was one of the Arab world's best-known journalists and a mild critic of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Turkish sources have told media that Khashoggi was murdered by a 15 man-squad of agents sent over from Saudi Arabia.

Canada, which is involved in a diplomatic war with Riyadh, has said it does not find the Saudi account of the event credible.

"Canada condemns the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, which the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has confirmed took place in its consulate in Istanbul," Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said in a statement.

"The explanations offered to date lack consistency and credibility."

Read also: Where do countries stand on Khashoggi's killing

This was in sharp contrast to US President Donald Trump's reaction after calling the explanation credible. 

Later he said he was unsatisfied with Saudi Arabia's response, although he said he would not scrap a huge arms deal with the kingdom.

Ankara has vowed to reveal all the details of a two-week inquiry. 

The Saudi crown prince was absolved of blame in Riyadh's inquiry with two senior aides and a number of other officials fired.

Canada added that this account of events was not believable.

"We reiterate our call for a thorough investigation, in full collaboration with the Turkish authorities, and a full and rigorous accounting of the circumstances surrounding Mr Khashoggi's death," Freeland said.

"Those responsible for the killing must be held to account and must face justice."

The Canadian diplomatic chief also offered condolences to Khashoggi's family and loved ones.

"The pain they are enduring as a result of this tragedy is heart breaking," she added.

Relations between Canada and Saudi Arabia have been tense in recent months.

Saudi Arabia launched a trade war on Canada after Ottawa condemned the arrest of human rights activists.

Riyadh retaliated by expelling the Canadian ambassador, recalling the Saudi ambassador to Ottawa, and freezing trade and investment between the two countries.