Sudan to implement visa reciprocity with U.S.

April 27, 2016 (KHARTOUM) – A senior diplomat in Khartoum said Sudan will treat U.S. officials on reciprocal basis and deny them entry visa to Sudan, pointing that American policy on this respect affects bilateral relations.

In press statements on Wednesday, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kamal Edin Ismail Saeed said that his government intends to deal within the principle of reciprocity with any country”

“We will reply to the United States. If any (Sudanese) official is denied (a visa) or delayed we will reject and delay (visa issuance for) their responsible,” he said.

We also we have our own assessments and will choose those we are useful for Sudan and allow them to enter,” he added.

Since last week, Sudanese government officials widely commented the recent denial of entry visa to the Sudanese interior minister, preventing him from attending a UN meeting on illegal drugs.

Also, Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour disclosed that other government ministers had not been able to participate in international meetings in the United States because of visa refusal by the American authorities.

However, U.S. acting Chargé d’Affaires to Khartoum Benjamin Moeling told the foreign ministry the delay can be explained only by administrative and bureaucratic procedures but that does not imply any deliberate intent.

Relations between the two countries are strained and very limited, as Sudan is under US economic sanctions since 1997. Also, several government officials are subjected to individual sanctions.

(ST)