Cablegate: Sudan: Mfa Advises Gov't to Search Diplomats

VZCZCXYZ0000
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHKH #2542 2981041
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 251041Z OCT 06
FM AMEMBASSY KHARTOUM
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 5004

UNCLAS KHARTOUM 002542

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

FOR AF/SPG

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL OFDP SU
SUBJECT: Sudan: MFA Advises Gov't to Search Diplomats

1. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent a diplomatic note
explaining that, for reasons of national security and the safety of
air navigation, Government authorities would begin occasionally
searching members of Diplomatic Missions and International
Organizations, including physical searches. To date, no members of
the Embassy staff have been searched under this new policy. This is
referred to as a temporary measure based upon undefined "critical
circumstances."

2. The text of the diplomatic note is as follows:

(Begin text)

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Directorate General of Protocol

Date: 10/4/2006 (Note: Date is incorrect. End note.)
No. W KH M/13/1/

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Sudan
presents its compliments to all Diplomatic Missions, International
and Regional Organizations accredited to Khartoum and has the honor
to inform them that the concerned authorities will occasionally
conduct search of the personal effects and body search - whether
they were from Diplomatic Missions or International Organizations
for reasons regarding the national security and safety of air
navigation.

The Ministry hopes that all Diplomatic Missions and International
Organizations would understand the critical circumstances motivating
to these procedures and hopes they would be over soon.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Sudan avails
itself of the opportunity to renew all Diplomatic Missions and
International Organizations the assurances of its highest
consideration.

TO: ALL DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

(End text)

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