In his first statements since the closure of many embassies in Cairo, Egyptian foreign minister Sameh Shoukry stressed that the interior ministry has provided the necessary precautionary security measures. Over the past few days, a number of diplomatic missions in Cairo have either closed their doors or updated their travel advice to citizens because of "security concerns." Meanhwhile, Shoukry highlighted in a press conference on Wednesday after a cabinet meeting that three embassies have closed their doors due to "security threats." He added that the foreign ministry has referred the case to the interior ministry which has responded by taking measures to secure the embassies. "Communications between the closed embassies and Cairo are ongoing and there are indications that they will soon resume their work," said Shoukry. The British embassy closed its doors on Sunday for what was meant to be one day but extended its closure to Monday without giving a date for resumption. 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 that terrorists may be planning attacks on embassies in the capital. The British, Canadian, Belgian and American embassies in Cairo are located in Garden City near downtown, while the Australian and Italian embassies are downtown. The embassies have always maintained tight security arrangements, as roads leading to their premises are cordoned off by the police. Source : Ahram oline
