Khashoggi Murder: Supporters of slain journalist hold vigil in Istanbul

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Europe

02:38

Turkish officials say there is no need for an international investigation into the murder of Jamal Khashoggi - but they emphasize many questions remain. A vigil was held for the prominent journalist - killed at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul this month. CGTN's Michal Bardavid has the latest.

On Thursday, friends of Jamal Khashoggi gathered at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. This was where he was murdered on October 2nd. They held a vigil and said prayers in his memory. One man was dressed with a mask of the Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman with red paint on his hands in protest. It comes on the day that Saudi officials have accepted a bit more responsibility.

MICHAL BARDAVID ISTANBUL "On Thursday, for the first time - Saudi Arabia admitted the killing of Khashoggi was premeditated. The Saudi Press Agency quoted Saudi Arabia's public prosecutor stating that evidence provided by the Saudi-Turkish task force indicated the Khashoggi killing was in fact planned in advance."

The arrival of a 15- member Saudi team to Istanbul on the day that Khashoggi was killed partly proved there was planning involved. Though members of the team have been arrested - it is still not clear who gave the order for them to travel to Turkey for the assassination.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu stated there were other unanswered questions as well - like the whereabouts of Khashoggi's body. He added that Turkey would cooperate with international bodies if necessary.

MEVLUT CAVUSOGLU TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTER "For the moment, we don't have the intention to do that but if international institutions or courts take initiative and start such an investigation, as Turkey, of course, we will share the information and evidence we have as well as the results of our investigation. We are obliged to do that anyway."

On Thursday, EU lawmakers also reacted to Khasoghi's death by voting for a resolution that condemned the killing and called for an EU-wide arms embargo against Saudi Arabia. The German Economy Minister thanked Turkey for its' efforts on the Khashoggi investigation.

PETER ALTMAIER GERMAN ECONOMY MINISTER "I would like to say that we appreciate the efforts of the Turkish government in getting clarification on this, and the clear stance on the part of the Turkish government also contributes to the fact that we can take a joint position."

While many international critics remain skeptical on the potential involvement of the Saudi Crown Prince regarding the Khashoggi case, efforts to restructure the kingdom's intelligence services began with a meeting under his leadership. Michal Bardavid, CGTN, Istanbul.