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Egypt’s military chief contacts Saudi Arabia over recall of ambassador

28 April 2012 21:22 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. Chief of Egypt’s ruling military council Hussein Tantawi has talked with the Saudi authorities after the Gulf nation decided Saturday to withdraw its ambassador in Egypt and close diplomatic missions over recent protests, APA reports quoting Egyptian state media.

Tantawi, head of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, contacted the Saudi side after he was informed of Saudi’s sudden decision, official MENA news agency said. It did not say whom Tantawi has contacted.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr called Tantawi and told him about Saudi’s sudden move as the military ruler was in a meeting with leaders of political parties to discuss the formation of the constituent assembly, it added.

Saudi Arabia announced earlier Saturday to recall its ambassador in Egypt and close its embassy in Cairo and consulates in the Egyptian cities of Alexandria and Suez, Saudi official news agency reported.

Small protests have been organized outside the Saudi embassy in Cairo over the detention of an Egyptian lawyer in the Saudi city of Jeddah over allegations of possessing drugs.