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Saudi recalls ambassador to Sweden amid diplomatic row

Xinhua, March 12, 2015 Adjust font size:

Saudi Arabia has recalled its ambassador to Sweden in rejection to recent Swedish criticism of Riyadh's human rights record, according to Saudi Press Agency on Wednesday

The Saudi Foreign Ministry announced the withdrawal of its ambassador from Sweden, as it considered recent Swedish statements against diplomatic norms.

Last month Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom denounced Saudi's treatment of women and human rights activists.

This week Arab foreign ministers defended Saudi Arabia's human rights and criticized Wallstrom's comments in which she accused the kingdom of blocking her speech at the Arab League meeting in Cairo.

Wallstrom had been invited to the meeting as a guest of honor, as a nod to Sweden's recognition of Palestine last autumn.

On Wednesday, Sweden confirmed that a long-time arms deal with Saudi Arabia will be canceled, following Saudi's blocking of the Swedish foreign minister's speech on human rights at an Arab League meeting.

In Stockholm, Wallstrom's spokesman said "We have

received information that Saudi Arabia has called its ambassador home." Endit