Libyan eastern-based authorities expel Sudanese diplomats

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The Libyan eastern-based authorities backed by military commander Khalifa Haftar on Thursday expelled 12 Sudanese diplomats and closed a Sudanese consulate over national security concerns, according to eastern Libyan news agency.

The consulate was shut down in Kufra, an oasis in southern Libya, with the consul and 11 other diplomats given 72 hours to leave the country.

Former Libyan rebels secure a street in the Libyan desert city of Kufra on March 20, 2012. /AFP Photo‍

The closure of the Sudanese consulate in Kufra was due to unconventional practices by the officials of the consulate, which were "contrary to the status established by international conventions for the staff of diplomatic missions and consulates, which is in violation of Libyan national security," said the eastern-based authorities.

The Sudanese Foreign Ministry summoned Libyan Charge D'Affaires Ali Muftah Mahroug in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum on Thursday to protest the closure of its consulate.

"Since its establishment, the consulate has been appreciated by all the dignitaries, leaders and people of the region, with whom it has commercial, cultural and social exchanges that serve the interests of the peoples of both countries," the Sudanese Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

UN regional coordinator on South Sudanese refugees, Arnauld Akodjenou, speaks with an AFP journalist on July 24, 2017. /AFP Photo

The Sudanese Foreign Ministry also called for reconsideration of this decision in order to allow the consulate to resume its normal duties.

Khartoum recognizes the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) based in Tripoli and its leader, Fayez Sarraj, while Haftar and the eastern-based authorities supported by his force refuse to recognize the GNA and keep battling for legitimacy.

(Source: Xinhua)