BRITISH EMBASSY IN ABIDJAN SUSPENDS OPERATIONS WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT

London, 31 March/GNN/ -- 
 
FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE News Release (ABIDJAN) issued by the Government
News Network on 31 March 2005
The British Embassy in the Ivory Coast will suspend operations from tomorrow
(01 April) due to the deteriorating security situation.
 
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel Advice has been changed to advise
British Nationals to leave the Ivory Coast immediately and makes clear that
there will be no repeat of the November 2004 evacuation. Consular and visa
services will be provided from Accra.
 
Minister for Africa, Chris Mullin, said: "This decision is mainly due to the
uncertain security situation and our inability to protect staff or British
Nationals should there be another outbreak of violence. But it also reflects
the lack of progress in the peace process. Until all parties genuinely commit
to finding a political solution, there is little point in us remaining;
the risk is just too high".