UK visa services suspended

06 Jul, 2004

The British High Commission has closed down its consular services "because of security threats" which will remain suspended until further notice.
Though the British Information Services did not issue an advisory, the Foreign Office here confirmed having received intimation in this regard.
Sources close to the British High Commission said the mission had received large number of threats in recent days but could not specify as how these were communicated.
Physical communications are difficult, as most of the diplomatic enclave is not accessible to persons who cannot prove a genuine reason for visit to area.
There is an unusual "security curtain" that has been further beefed up since Sunday.
APP ADDS: The British High Commission has been temporarily closed following 'specific security threats', Foreign Office spokesman Masood Khan said on Monday.
At a weekly briefing here, he also confirmed that an event at the US embassy was also cancelled in the wake of these threats.
"I don't have details, (but) yes, I confirm that there was specific security threat. An event at the US has been cancelled and the British High Commission is temporarily closed," he said while replying a question.
However, Khan said there was no cause of concern as the security has been beefed up and all necessary precautionary measures taken.
Meanwhile, a statement by the US embassy here said on Monday that its visa section will remain closed on Tuesday.

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