Spain holds talks with Saudi Arabia over weapons deals

MADRID — Spain says it is holding talks with Saudi Arabia to resolve differences over a shipment of bombs that, according to Spanish defense authorities, could end up targeting civilians in Yemen.

Defense Minister Margarita Robles told senators at a hearing on Monday that the decision wasn’t final and that she expected that talks between the two trade partners would settle the dispute.

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Spanish government under pressure over Saudi defense deals

Shipbuilders are blocking roads in southern Spain amid fears that Saudi Arabia could scrap a $2.1 billion-purchase of warships in retaliation to a move by Madrid to halt a shipment of bombs to Riyadh.

Her department had announced last week that it was halting the delivery of 400 laser-guided precision bombs ordered by Riyadh in 2015 and paid for.

Shipbuilders in southern Spain have protested in recent days over fears that Saudi Arabia could scrap a separate $2.1 billion purchase of warships in retaliation.

Robles has ruled out such a scenario.

The Saudi Embassy in Madrid has declined to comment.

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