Sudan expels UN agency chief accused of 'interfering'

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Khartoum: Sudan has expelled the country chief of a United Nations agency and accused her of interfering in domestic affairs, the foreign ministry said on Wednesday.

The incident is the latest involving foreign aid workers in the restive African nation where millions need humanitarian assistance.

Pamela DeLargy, an American who headed the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) office in Sudan, "was asked to leave," ministry spokesman Abubakr al-Siddiq told AFP.

"Because she was not abiding by the country's laws, and also because she was interfering in the country's domestic affairs in a manner that is inconsistent with her status as a UN official," he said.

DeLargy left Sudan on Tuesday, the officer currently in charge of UNFPA's Sudan office told AFP.

"We regret to inform that the reasons for the government decision for Miss Pamela DeLargy to leave the country have not been communicated to the UNFPA," she said.

UNFPA has a "long and strong partnership" with the government and other agencies in Sudan and remains committed to fulfilling the agreed goals, the officer said.

Siddiq, of the foreign ministry, said DeLargy's case "has nothing to do with the UNFPA whose missions and programmes are very much appreciated by my government."

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