(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-05-13 23:15

N'DJAMENA  -- Chadian authorities has moved to formally close the common border with Sudan and freeze all the existing economic relations between the two countries following heightened tensions, according to official sources.

The decision, which appears to be in response to Khartoum's move to sever diplomatic relations with Chad Sunday, was announced following an extraordinary cabinet meeting on Monday.

"The decision was taken to ensure the security of Chad and its citizens, to protect its economic and cultural interests" and also "to preempt any surprises," said a statement issued at the end of government meeting presided by President Idriss Deby Itno.