U.S. diplomats rebuke Sudan for closing down newspaper

KHARTOUM, Nov. 19, 2003 (dpa) — U.S. diplomats rebuked Sudan Wednesday for closing down an opposition newspaper this week, only two months after President Omar Beshir issued a decree that lifted bans on press and information institutions.

In a statement, the U.S. embassy in Khartoum expressed surprise and disappointment over the seizure of the publishing house. The independent daily al-Ayam has not appeared since Tuesday.

At a request from security agencies, Sudanese authorities Monday ordered publication of al-Ayam to be suspended, accusing it of threatening national security.

“This confiscation of al-Ayam is contrary to the government’s stated position and previous actions,” the embassy said, adding that the free exchange of ideas was a hallmark of a truly democratic government that respects fundamental human rights.