Sudan accuses British embassy of abusing diplomatic privileges

March 30, 2008 (KHARTOUM) — The Sudanese government accused the British embassy in Khartoum of abusing diplomatic privileges.

Sudanese customs authorities said that a TV satellite transmitter was found in the offices of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Arabic TV in Khartoum that was not admitted through regular channels.

Unidentified Sudanese officials told Sudanese newspapers that the transmitter was smuggled in a diplomatic pouch that belongs to the British embassy but provided no details. The officials said that incident is a violation of Geneva Convention for diplomatic immunity.

There was no response from the British embassy on the allegation.

The head of the BBC Arabic TV office in Khartoum was summoned by customs authorities and informed him that the transmitter could have been imported normally and in accordance with Sudanese laws, the daily Al-Hayat newspaper said.

The newspaper said that the transmitter was confiscated and is now a property of the Sudanese government.

The BBC Arabic TV was launched during the second week of Martch.

(ST)