Sudan steps up security at embassies after U.S. closes mission

By MOHAMED OSMAN Associated Press Writer

KHARTOUM, Sudan, Nov 11, 2003 (AP) — Police prevented cars from parking outside embassies and the offices of foreign companies Tuesday as Sudan stepped up security after the United States decided to close its embassy because of a reported terrorist threat.

“We are keen as a government to protect not only our people, but foreign nationals in our country.” Gen. Abdul Rahim Mohamed Hussein, the minister of interior, told the official Sudan News Agency on Tuesday.

Security officers in plainclothes stood guard outside embassies and prevented photographers from taking pictures.

Hussein described the increased security as “the biggest guarantee against any terrorist attacks.”

On Monday, the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum said it was suspending normal operations for a week because of “a credible and specific threat to U.S. interests.”

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage told reporters in Cairo on Tuesday that his government was pleased with Sudanese efforts to counter terrorism, but the embassy had been closed because terror attacks occur very quickly.

There are not many American nationals working in Sudan, apart from those employed at the embassy, owing to U.S. sanctions against the country.

Asked how many Americans were in Khartoum, a spokesman for the Interior Ministry said: “We don’t have specifics at present.” He spoke on condition of anonymity.

The U.S. Embassy in Khartoum reopened in April 2002, after closing down in the mid-1990s when Washington accused Sudan of supporting international terrorism and of severe human rights abuses.

Washington has applauded Sudanese efforts to combat terrorism since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and said it would review its sanctions once the Khartoum government signs a final peace accord with the rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Army.