Sources at the American, British and Canadian embassies, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Ahram Online that two possible scenarios underlie these measures.
The first scenario, sources said, is that the embassies are closed due to "possible political tensions that might cause turmoil," a reason that was not mentioned in the official statements.
The second scenario sources gave mirrors the embassies' official explanations: the closures are due to "security threats."
- Meanwhile, sources at the Italian and Belgium embassies told Ahram Online that they were functioning as usual but assessing security conditions.
The British embassy closed its doors on Sunday for what was meant to be one day but extended its closure to Monday and no date was given for reopening.
However, the British Consulate-General in Alexandria is operating as normal.
Similarly, the Canadian embassy closed on Monday citing "unsettled security conditions."
Meanwhile, the Australian embassy in Cairo updated its travel advice, warning of reports indicating terrorists may be planning attacks against embassies in the capital.
The reports, according to the last travel update issued by the Australian embassy on Saturday, also warn of attacks against tourist and government sites.
The embassy maintained its advice to Australians to reconsider their need to travel to Egypt, while continuing to advise against all travel to North Sinai governorate, due to ongoing terrorist attacks targeting police and army personnel.
The Australian embassy in Cairo, however, is operating normally, an embassy spokesman told Ahram Online.
The American embassy issued a warning to its nationals on Thursday, saying "in light of the heightened tensions and recent attacks on Westerners in the region" embassy staff were advised to stay close to their residences.
Americans in Cairo were also advised to avoid locations which witness regular protest activity, citing reported clashes at several universities and neighbourhoods in the greater Cairo area.
Despite its warnings, the US embassy remains open.
The British, Canadian, Belgium and American embassies in Cairo are located in Garden City near downtown Cairo, while the Australian and Italian embassies are located downtown Cairo......................http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/117442/Egypt/Politics-/Several-embassies-in-Cairo-close-their-doors,-upda.aspx8/12/14
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The Canadian Embassy in Cairo closed over unspecified security concerns...
ReplyDeleteForeign Affairs Minister John Baird’s office confirmed the closure on Monday, adding that the government is monitoring the situation closely and taking appropriate security measures.
“We take the safety of our personnel and our mission overseas very seriously,” Baird’s Press Secretary Adam Hodge said in an email to CTV News. “We don't comment publicly on security precaution specifics at our missions.” .......Read more: http://www.ctvnews.ca/world/canadian-embassy-in-cairo-closes-over-security-concerns-1.2137254#ixzz3LJx9dAgQ
8/12/14