Sudan says minister to blame in visa row with U.S.

July 30, 2011 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese government blamed its minister of Youth and Sports for failing to obtain a visa to the United States where he was scheduled to attend a United Nations conference this week.

An unnamed source at the foreign ministry told the independent Al-Ahram Al-Youm newspaper that minister Al-Haj Magid Siwar did not follow the proper procedures in applying for a visa to enter the United States.

The official said that Siwar filed an application only a week before he was set to travel which is contrary to instructions outlined by the U.S. embassy which require at least two weeks to process visa requests.

He added that this rule applies to all Sudanese whether diplomats or ordinary citizens.

Siwar’s office had issued a statement slamming what he claimed was U.S. decision barring him from entering its territories saying that this move is “incompatible with the ideals, values and norms among youths, voluntary and community entities for young people and athletes”.

But the foreign ministry official said that they contacted the U.S. embassy in Khartoum which responded by saying that Siwar is not prohibited from entering.

The official criticized Siwar saying that he created an “embarrassment” for the foreign ministry through a story that has no basis . He added that Khartoum has enough problems with Washington and does need to indulge in small issues like this.

But Siwar responded by telling the pro-government Al-Ra’ed newspaper that ministers can apply for a U.S. visa up to three days prior to their travel. He also said that the U.S. charge d’affaires told him that system issues prevented the embassy from giving him the visa.

Siwar plans to hold a press conference on Sunday to explain in details the circumstances surrounding his U.S. visa row.

(ST)