EU to mediate in Saudi-Swedish dispute on human rights

It also said, according to the Saudi state mouthpiece, SPA, that Arab ministers “expressed their condemnation and surprise of the issuance of such statements, which are incompatible with the truth that the constitution of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is based on the tolerant Islamic Sharia”.

The dispute surrounds Wallstrom’s criticism of Saudi Arabian treatment of women and its public flogging of imprisoned blogger Raif Badawi, which Wallstrom recently described as “medieval” in the Swedish parliament.

The league’s statement doesn’t specify which Wallstrom remarks they denounce.

Meanwhile, Wallstrom’s office says they were informed of the announcement Monday evening, but downplayed its significance.

“I believe that you should interpret this as a way for Saudi Arabia to save its face”, Wallstroms press officer told Swedish press.

The EU’s Mogherini will now speak to both Wallstrom and the secretary general of the Arab league, Nabil El Araby, to inform herself of the situation.

“We regret that the Swedish foreign minister was not able to deliver her speech”, Mogherini’s spokesperson told press in Brussels on Tuesday, while underlining the value of joint work with the league “on issues such as human rights and universal freedoms”.

The Swedish-Saudi disagreement comes amid a controversial military co-operation deal between the two states.

Swedish prime minister Stefan Lofven government announced Tuesday evening a decision to step away from the deal.

But the Arab League dispute isn't the reason behind the move, Lofven said. The decision was taken already last week, according to the PM.

The new Swedish government had previously stirred controversy in the Middle East by becoming the first sitting EU country to recognise Palestine.