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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Saudis recall Sweden ambassador amid diplomatic row | Saudis recall Sweden ambassador amid diplomatic row |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| Saudi Arabia has recalled its ambassador to Stockholm amid a row over military ties, Sweden says. | Saudi Arabia has recalled its ambassador to Stockholm amid a row over military ties, Sweden says. |
| "We were informed yesterday [Tuesday] that Saudi Arabia had called back its ambassador," said Swedish foreign ministry spokeswoman Veronica Nordlund. | |
| Earlier this week, Sweden said it would end a long-standing defence co-operation deal between the countries. | |
| The agreement, worth millions of dollars in Swedish arms exports, is due to expire in May. | The agreement, worth millions of dollars in Swedish arms exports, is due to expire in May. |
| Sweden said it was cancelling the agreement after Saudi Arabia decided to block a speech due to be given by Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom to the Arab League earlier this week. | |
| A Swedish foreign ministry spokesman told the AFP news agency the reason given for recalling the ambassador was Sweden's criticism of Saudi Arabia's record on human rights and democracy. | |
| On Monday, Ms Wallstrom posted online a copy of the speech she was due to give. | |
| In it, she said the Arab League was a "key partner" for Sweden. | |
| She also highlighted Sweden's move to recognising a Palestinian state, plus the threat of radicalisation and female genital mutilation. |