Khartoum mayor orders removal of security perimeter around US embassy

By Wasil Ali

June 3, 2007 (KHARTOUM) — The mayor of Khartoum Dr. Abdel-Moniem Al-Mutaafi has ordered the city to remove the security perimeter around the US embassy that has been in place for over four years. Al-Mutaafi did not provide any reasons for his decision but observers told Sudan Tribune that it appears to be in retaliation for the new US sanctions imposed last week.

The Sudanese government erected barricades around the US embassy following the US led invasion of Iraq in 2003. The barricades have blocked Ali Abdel-Latif street , a major street in Khartoum, forcing some businesses in the area to close down. All cars passing through the street are subject to intensive search by Sudanese security.

U.S. President George W. Bush imposed new unilateral sanctions on Sudan last week and sought support for an international arms embargo out of frustration at Sudan’s refusal to end what he called genocide in war-ravaged Darfur. Bush announced new sanctions that would bar 31 companies controlled by Sudan from doing business in the U.S. financial system.

Reports from Khartoum say that the City of Khartoum has not executed the mayor’s order as of yet. An unidentified city official was quoted as saying that the removing the barricades was pending consultation with the US embassy. He denied any reversal in the mayor’s decision.

The London based Al-Sharq al-Awsat newspaper quoted the Sudanese Ambassador to the US John Ukec as saying that the decision was taken on reciprocal basis and in line with the treatment Sudanese diplomats receive in Washington. He noted the non-stop demonstrations by US lawmakers and NGO’s in front of the Sudanese embassy in Washington.

Ukec added that the US State Department expressed its concern at the mayor’s decision saying it puts the safety of its diplomats at risk. The Sudanese envoy hinted that US officials may soon be barred from meeting Sudanese officials at a higher level than they are.

The United States closed its embassy in Khartoum in February 1996 before opening it in 2000. The US embassy in Khartoum has been headed by a charge d’affaires ever since. A new US embassy building is under construction south of Khartoum to replace the current one.

(ST)