US missions in Sudan, Egypt issue travel warnings

By Sorwar Alam

ANKARA (AA) - The U.S. Embassy in Khartoum on Thursday issued a travel warning for Americans living in Sudan to “avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.”

According to a released statement on the embassy’s website, U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and plans to relocate the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem “may spark protests, some of which have the potential to become violent”.

The mission also reminded the U.S. citizens of the need for caution and awareness of personal security.

“Review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news for updates,” read the statement.

It said that activities in the mission would be limited, especially on Friday, due to a high risk of protests.

A similar statement was also issued by the U.S. Embassy in Egypt.

- 'Recognize the State of Palestine with Jerusalem as its capital'

Meanwhile, political parties in the country called on Muslim countries to take concrete steps against Trump’s decision.

In a released statement on Thursday, the Popular Congress Party of Sudan, which participates in the Sudanese coalition government, said the governments of Islamic countries should take a strong attitude and concrete steps against the U.S. move.

The opposition Sudanese Congress Party also issued a statement condemning the decision underlining that it violated international laws and contradicted the UN resolutions.

On the other hand, the upper and lower chambers of the Sudanese parliament called on the Arab and Islamic countries to recognize the State of Palestine with Jerusalem as its capital in a reaction to the decision, according to the Sudan Tribune..

The paper also reported that some lawmaker also called on the government to expel the U.S. chargé d’affaires in Khartoum.

Despite widespread international opposition,Trump on Wednesday announced his decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

According to Trump, the U.S. State Department has been told to begin preparations for relocating the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

The dramatic shift in Washington’s Jerusalem policy triggered demonstrations in the occupied Palestinian territories, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia, Algeria, Iraq and other Muslim countries.

Jerusalem remains at the heart of the Israel-Palestine conflict, with Palestinians hoping that East Jerusalem -- now occupied by Israel -- might eventually serve as the capital of a future Palestinian state.

* Adel Abdelrheem Humaida Elfadol and Zeynep Hilal Karyagdi contributed to the story from Khartoum