UK embassy in Cairo closed amid row over Egyptian activist's arrest

[ad_1] The UK has briefly closed its embassy in Cairo after Egyptian authorities eliminated safety limitations exterior the constructing, amid a diplomatic row over the arrest of an activist.

The UK International Workplace stated its foremost embassy constructing within the capital's Backyard Metropolis district would stay shut "whereas the influence of those adjustments is reviewed", however added the embassy remained operational.

The choice follows rising calls within the nation for a retaliatory response to the UK's dealing with of a protest in London, stories say.

Final week, a outstanding pro-Egyptian authorities activist was arrested and later launched after apparently confronting protesters exterior Egypt's UK embassy, Each day Information Egypt reported.

Egyptian International Minister Badr Abdelatty reportedly referred to as the UK's Nationwide Safety Adviser Jonathan Powell final week to ask for a proof over the arrest.

Abdelatty has beforehand stated Egypt has the "proper to reply and reciprocity" in opposition to international locations that "failed to offer safety for Egyptian embassies in accordance with the Vienna Conference".

The arrest additionally sparked a row in Egypt, with some political figures urging Egyptian authorities to take away limitations from the UK's embassy in Cairo.

BBC Information understands the UK authorities is continuous to interact with Egyptian counterparts over the safety of the embassy in Cairo and the security of employees.

The International Workplace has supplied telephone numbers on the Egypt journey recommendation tab of its web site for these in want of consular help. The web page doesn't advise in opposition to journey to Cairo, however does advise in opposition to journey to sure elements of Egypt.

Giant limitations have been put in across the UK and US embassies in Cairo for many years, which critics in Egypt say have disrupted site visitors on streets within the space.