Sudan: MFA Advises Gov't to Search Diplomats

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) POWERS