Dutch FM: Sharm el-Sheikh airport security inadequate

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' decision to advise people not to travel to or from the Sharm el-Sheikh airport was based on the fact that the airport's security is inadequate and not on the exact cause of the Russian aircraft crash in Sinai. Minister Bert Koenders of Foreign Affairs said this to broadcaster NOS. "That Foreign Affairs advises people not to travel to the airport of Sharm el-Sheikh is independent of the exact cause of the crash of the Russian aircraft in Sinai", he said, adding that the safety measures in Sharm el-Sheikh are insufficient. The Minister stressed that the travel advice does not apply to all of Egypt. "But we are about the safety of Dutch and before the investigation leads to conclusions, it is important to give this travel advice." Koenders added that he can not say how serious the investigation into the cause of the crash is, but stressed that an investigation must be done. Some 200 Dutch tourists are currently holidaying in Sharm el-Sheikh. Empty charter planes will be sent to bring them back to the Netherlands on Sunday and Tuesday.