Belgium recalls ambassador to Senegal over flight ban

Brussels, Belgium (PANA) - Belgium has recalled its Ambassador to Senegal for consultation, following the decision of the Senegalese government to ban Brussels Airlines from flying between Dakar, Banjul, Conakry and Freetown, an official Belgian source told PANA, here Saturday.

The Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Steven Vanackere, Friday sent a letter to his Senegalese counterpart, Madické Niang, in which he demanded the lifting of the flight ban within 24 hours, otherwise his country would report to the European Union (EU) to take retaliatory measures, sources said.

If Belgium reports to the EU, the union can ban the Senegalese airlines company, Senegal Airlines, from flying the European territory.

Following a bilateral agreement signed eight years ago between Belgium and Senegal, Brussels Airlines is to serve the capitals of Gambia, Banjul; Guinea, Conakry, and Sierra Leone, Freetown, from Dakar.
-0- PANA AK/AAS/MTD/BOS 29Jan2011