Saudi Arabia recalls envoy, closes embassy in Egypt

Riyadh, April 28 (IANS) Saudi Arabia Saturday recalled its ambassador in Egypt and shut down its embassy in Cairo and consulates in Alexandria and Suez over security concerns, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

The report said the ambassador was recalled for consultation after days of protests by Egyptians in front of the Saudi diplomatic missions, according to Xinhua.

'The protests and attempts to storm the Saudi embassy have threatened the security of both Saudi and Egyptian staff. The hostile slogans chanted by the protesters have violated the dignity of the Saudi diplomatic missions,' it said.

The protesters were reportedly calling for the release of an Egyptian lawyer and activist, Ahmed Gezawi, who was detained earlier this month at a Saudi airport for allegedly carrying drugs.