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March 12, 2015

Sweden, Saudi Arabia in Diplomatic Spat over Human Rights 
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Saudi Arabia and Sweden are in a diplomatic row following criticism of
the oil kingdom's record on human rights. Swedish Foreign Minister
Margot Wallström was due to address the Arab League in Cairo, but the
Saudi government blocked the move, citing "Sweden's criticism and
statements … about human rights and democracy." Wallström had
previously called out the Saudi "dictatorship" for violating women's
rights and for the flogging of blogger Raif Badawi. Saudi Arabia has
recalled its ambassador from Stockholm, while Sweden says it will cancel
a military cooperation agreement.

 

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