German economy minister Peter Altmaier calls for Europe to unite on Khashoggi

German Economy Minister Peter Altmaier on Monday called for Europe to stand together and unite on a position after the death of Saudi dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

"Only if all European countries agree can we make an impact on the government in Riyadh," Altmaier told the German broadcaster ZDF.

Khashoggi, 59, was last seen on October 2 when he entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul to seek marriage paperwork. The Saudi government admitted on Saturday that he died there, blaming a fistfight and saying 18 people were detained.

However, there has been widespread scepticism about the claim.

Turkish media reported that Khashoggi was murdered and dismembered based on recordings from the consulate. They say he was killed by a 15-member squad from Saudi Arabia.

Until the full details of what happened become clear, the German government announced on Sunday there would be no further weapons exports to Saudi Arabia.

"There will be no positive consequences if we're the only ones halting exports, and the other countries fill that gap," Altmaier said.

Altmaier would not comment on whether the exports that have already been approved would also be halted, saying that would need further consideration.

Annalena Baerbock, the national chairwoman of the Green Party, on Monday called for all exports, including those already approved, to be stopped immediately.

"That would really, really hurt Saudi Arabia," she said.