It is always difficult for a leader visiting or negotiating with a country with a poor human rights record. Domestic expectations demand that issues be “raised” / “discussed”, and so it is dutifully claimed. But are they really? If they are I doubt that it ever amounts to more than apologetic lip service.
Key was in a particularly poor position in his talks with Saudi Arabian officials. He’s an international laughing stock, and everyone in the room knew it. Thus:
Key defended how he conducted discussions over Saudi Arabia’s poor human rights record – he didn’t directly raise discrimination against women with ruler King Salman.
“I thought some of the reporting misrepresented it. Human rights are womens’ rights. And actually we had a really extensive conversation with him … I thought we’d done a pretty darn good job.”
That isn’t even weak, it’s just openly evading the issue. Which was his only option of course, because:
That’s the trouble with blowing your credibility, your influence goes with it.
For excellent related coverage yesterday see:
Ponytail-gate dogs John Key during Turkey, Gulf visit, and
Is ponytail just the latest example of cavalier Key?
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