Saudi envoy withdrawn

SAUDI Arabia is withdrawing its ambassador to Libya in what the kingdom called a measured response to reports that Tripoli had plotted to assassinate its crown prince.

The alleged plot was outlined by US investigators in their case against a prominent American Muslim activist who was sentenced earlier this year to 23 years in prison for illegal business dealings with Libya.

Saudi foreign minister Prince Saud said the Libyans would be sent a communique demanding that their envoy in Riyadh returns home.