Mattis asks Senate to back Saudi Arabia, despite Khashoggi murder

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis today advised U.S. senators in a closed-door meeting to continue military support and the sale of weapons to Saudi Arabia, despite the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, noting that "we are seldom free to work with unblemished partners."

Mattis said American interests "cannot be dismissed, even as we seek accountability for what President Trump described as the 'unacceptable and horrible crime' of Jamal Khashoggi's murder, a crime which 'our country does not condone,'" he said according to a copy of his remarks.

Trump drew criticism earlier this month when he said he would not seek to hold Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman responsible for Khashoggi's murder.

Additionally, Mattis said withdrawing from the U.S.-Saudi relationship, curtailing military support or limiting weapon sales would be "misguided" at this time as it appears negotiations to end the civil war in Yemen are poised to bear fruit when leaders meet in Sweden next month.

"I know all too well the difficulty in reconciling human aspirations with war's grim reality; but I also recognize that we cannot limit civilian casualties or advance the peace effort commencing early next month in Sweden by disengaging," he said.

Meanwhile, the Senate could vote as early as this afternoon on a resolution to withdraw all U.S. support for a Saudi-led coalition in Yemen battling Iranian-backed rebels.

Mattis, however, stressed Saudi Arabia's strategic importance.

"Long-standing relationships guide but do not blind us. Saudi Arabia, due to geography and the Iranian threat, is fundamental to maintaining regional and Israeli security, and to our interest in Mid-East stability," Mattis said.