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Saudi king cuts short controversial holiday in France | Saudi king cuts short controversial holiday in France |
(about 11 hours later) | |
King Salman of Saudi Arabia has cut short a holiday on the French Riviera where the closure of a beach for his security caused an uproar. | King Salman of Saudi Arabia has cut short a holiday on the French Riviera where the closure of a beach for his security caused an uproar. |
After only eight days of what was planned as a three-week stay, the king flew on to Morocco, officials said. | After only eight days of what was planned as a three-week stay, the king flew on to Morocco, officials said. |
With him were at least half of his 1,000-strong entourage, regional official Philippe Castanet added. | With him were at least half of his 1,000-strong entourage, regional official Philippe Castanet added. |
More than 100,000 people signed a petition against the closure of the public beach at Vallauris. | More than 100,000 people signed a petition against the closure of the public beach at Vallauris. |
The Mirandole beach is directly below King Salman's private villa and French officials agreed to seal it off for the monarch's security. | The Mirandole beach is directly below King Salman's private villa and French officials agreed to seal it off for the monarch's security. |
Critics of the move said it was a breach of French laws on equality. | Critics of the move said it was a breach of French laws on equality. |
A Saudi source quoted by Reuters said the king's departure was part of his holiday programme and not connected to the media coverage the visit had attracted. | A Saudi source quoted by Reuters said the king's departure was part of his holiday programme and not connected to the media coverage the visit had attracted. |
'Lift removed' | 'Lift removed' |
It is not clear if the king plans to return to the villa this summer. | It is not clear if the king plans to return to the villa this summer. |
Mr Castanet told AFP news agency that the beach would reopen to the public on Monday morning. | Mr Castanet told AFP news agency that the beach would reopen to the public on Monday morning. |
He said a temporary lift connecting the beach with the villa - which had also angered local residents - would be removed in the coming weeks. | He said a temporary lift connecting the beach with the villa - which had also angered local residents - would be removed in the coming weeks. |
Building the lift had involved pouring a large concrete slab on the sand. | Building the lift had involved pouring a large concrete slab on the sand. |
The royal party generated mixed emotions among the local population. | The royal party generated mixed emotions among the local population. |
While some were unhappy at the closure of the beach, many traders warmly welcomed the king and his wealthy entourage. | While some were unhappy at the closure of the beach, many traders warmly welcomed the king and his wealthy entourage. |
Are you near the beach that was closed for King Salman? What do you think about his departure? You can get in touch by emailing: haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk | |
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