RIYADH 14 Oct (ANA) - Saudi Arabia rejects political and economic "threats" over missing journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a source quoted by state news agency SPA says.

 

Saudi Arabia would respond to any punitive action "with a bigger one", the unnamed senior source said.

 

Mr Khashoggi, a critic of the Saudi government, vanished on 2 October after visiting its consulate in Istanbul.

 

US President Donald Trump said he would "punish" Saudi Arabia if it were found responsible for killing him.

 

The authorities in Istanbul believe Mr Khashoggi was murdered in the consulate by Saudi agents - claims Riyadh has dismissed as "lies".

 

Britain and the US are considering boycotting a major international conference in Saudi Arabia this month.

 

The source quoted by SPA said: "The kingdom affirms its total rejection of any threats or attempts to undermine it whether through threats to impose economic sanctions or the use of political pressure.

 

"The kingdom also affirms that it will respond to any action with a bigger one. The Saudi economy has vital and influential roles for the global economy."

 

The Saudis have come under considerable international pressure over the disappearance.

 

Diplomatic sources told the BBC's James Landale that both US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and UK International Trade Secretary Liam Fox might not attend next month's investment conference in Riyadh, which has been dubbed "Davos in the Desert".

 

The event is being hosted by the kingdom's Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman to promote his reform agenda. Several sponsors and media groups have decided to pull out.

 

A joint statement of condemnation, if it is confirmed that Mr Khashoggi was killed by Saudi agents, is also being discussed by US and European diplomats.

 

The president has said the US will inflict "severe punishment" if Saudi Arabia is found to be responsible for the death of Mr Khashoggi.(ANA)

FA/ANA/14 October 2018-------