Coup attempt sparks riots in Sudanese capital, no threat to Russian embassy

MOSCOW. Oct 25 (Interfax) - A coup attempt has partially paralyzed the Sudanese capital and sparked riots, the Russian embassy in Khartoum told Interfax on Monday.

"According to regional, Sudanese media, there has been a military coup in Sudan. Sovereignty Council Chairman [Abdel Fattah] al-Burhan has just declared a state of emergency. There are riots in the city, and numerous civilian protesters have taken to the streets. In fact, the whole city center is now blocked," head of the embassy's consular department Georgy Ambartsumyan said.

"Actually, the city has been somewhat paralyzed: some areas are blocked by the military, while residential areas and the outskirts are blocked by protesters," Ambartsumyan said.

"All is rather quiet in the area where the embassy is located. In our opinion, there is no imminent threat to the embassy or Russian citizens, but naturally, the embassy has done everything to ensure the security of the mission and its staff and to ensure the interests of Russian citizens," he said.

As to whether any contacts with the Sudanese transitional government are planned, Ambartsumyan said, "I think we'll know some time later."