| Author (Corporate) | European Union: European External Action Service |
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| Series Title | Press Release |
| Series Details | 02.01.16 |
| Publication Date | 02/01/2016 |
| Content Type | News |
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The European Union deplored on 2 January 2016 the executions of 47 people in Saudi Arabia, warning that the death of Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr had 'the potential of enflaming further the sectarian tensions' which brought 'so much damage to the entire region, with dangerous consequences'. United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said he was 'deeply dismayed' while the United States warned that Saudi Arabia risked 'exacerbating sectarian tensions at a time when they urgently need to be reduced'. Also on 2 January, a mob attacked the Saudi embassy in Iran's capital Tehran and a consulate in second city Mashhad amid protests at Nimr's execution. Saudi Arabia eventually broke off diplomatic ties with Iran on the next day, followed by Bahrein and Sudan. The United Arab Emirates decided to downgrade its diplomatic presence in the country. Some suggested that the dispute between Saudia Arabia and Iran threatened efforts to bring a solution to the civil war in Syria and the fight against the Islamic State terrorist network. |
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| Source Link | http://www.eeas.europa.eu/top_stories/2016/020116_executions_saudiarabia_en.htm |
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| Subject Categories | Values and Beliefs |
| Countries / Regions | Europe, Middle East |
