MFA RAISES CONSULAR ISSUES

C O N F I D E N T I A L KHARTOUM 001801

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

FOR AF/SPG, S/CPR, CA/VO - J NYSTROM, CA/EX - P CANTRELL

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/26/2016
TAGS: PREL CVIS CMGT PINR US SU
SUBJECT: MFA RAISES CONSULAR ISSUES

Classified By: Pol/Econ Chief E. Whitaker, Reason: Section 1.4 (b) and
(d)


1. (C) Summary: The MFA's list of consular issues includes
an interest in faster processing for official and diplomatic
visas, better treatment for Sudanese officials at U.S. ports
of entry, tourist and business visas in Khartoum versus
Cairo, facilitated documentation for Sudanese diplomats in
the U.S., and entry of U.S. nationals into Sudan without
visas. Although EmbOffs offered explanations and
constructive advice, the MFA indicated that reciprocal
treatment of U.S. officials would be the consequence if the
situation is not ameliorated. The meeting is one of a series
of MFA indications that its hopes for normalized relations
are not bearing fruit. The meeting offered an introduction
to meet the newly appointed MFA Director for the Americas,
Amb. Abdul Basit Badawi al-Sanosi, who has just completed
four years of service in Paris. End summary.

MFA: Top Five Consular Issues in Bilateral Relationship
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2. (C) During a July 26 meeting, newly appointed MFA Director
for the Americas Abdul Basit Badawi al-Sanosi and Deputy
Director Magdy al-Mufaddal listed the Ministry's top consular
issues in a meeting with Pol/Econ Chief and Pol/Econ/Consular
Officer. They are as follows:

-- Visas for Sudanese officials and diplomats: as relations
are gradually normalizing, waiting three weeks for visas is
too long;

-- Treatment in the U.S.: while use of the VIP lounge at
Khartoum International Airport and other courtesies are
extended to U.S. officials, Sudanese officials are not
accorded similar treatment in the United States. This
includes long waits in immigration processing at ports of
entry;

-- Sudanese tourist/business visas: At present, Sudanese
visas, other than for official and diplomatic travel, involve
travel to Cairo for processing. This requires Sudanese to
obtain visas to Egypt and involves otherwise unnecessary
travel and other expenses;

-- Treatment of Sudanese officials in the U.S.: Sudanese
diplomatic personnel experience long delays in having ID
cards and tax exempt documentation in Washington. A survey
of other missions indicates that Sudanese officials have to
wait longer to receive documents. When inquiries are made of
the Department of State, the response is that such
transactions involve multiple offices, and hence take much
time and effort; and

-- Entry of U.S. nationals without visas: there have been
instances where U.S. nationals have entered Sudan through
either Chad or through countries bordering Southern Sudan
without visas. Sudan regards this as violations of
international law.


3. (C) EmbOffs offered the following responses:

-- A three-week wait for even official and diplomatic visas
is typical in many countries. A review by the Embassy
indicates that in many cases the MFA does not promptly
provide an assembled package of a diplomatic note, passport,
application, and photograph to facilitate processing, with
many follow-up inquiries often necessary;

-- When Sudanese officials travel to the U.S., it would be
helpful for the Sudanese Embassy in Washington to submit a
diplomatic note to the Protocol Office at the Department of
State Protocol to facilitate appropriate treatment. On many
occasions the USG has not been advised as to the comings and
going of Sudanese officials, and hence not in a position to
render assistance;

-- Embassy Khartoum has limited facilities and staffing to
process visas, in addition to providing assistance to U.S.
nationals. The practice of issuing diplomatic and official
visas only commenced in November 2005; in two years a new
Embassy will permit a re-examination of visa processing
capabilities;

-- Embassy agreed to inquire whether the processing of
Sudanese diplomatic officials was an unduly lengthy process.
Pol/Econ Officer noted that he had been in Khartoum since
February, but had still not received a diplomatic ID card;
and

-- The USG regards the entry of individuals into another
country without proper visas a serious matter, and respects
sovereignty.


4. (C) In discussion, al-Sanosi and al-Mufaddal accepted
explanations, although did make it clear that the MFA would
be "obliged to use reciprocity if the issues are not
resolved."

Biodata Note
--------------


5. (C) The new Director of Americas, Abdul Basir Badawi
al-Sanosi, assumed his post earlier this week, having
completed a four-year assignment as Ambassador to France.
His previous assignments include Ndjamena, Djibouti, Beijing,
and Paris, as well as Director of the Minister of Foreign
Affair's Office during the term of Mustafa Osman Ismail as
Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Comment
--------------


6. (C) This meeting continues a series of MFA remonstrations
about its treatment, wherein the Sudanese at several levels
have expressed concerns that the USG is moving the goalposts
in what it hoped would be a normalization of relations
following the signing of the CPA and DPA. Despite the
positive tenor of this meeting, the MFA has made it clear
that it still sees only sticks, and no carrots.
STEINFELD