Egyptian security and customs authorities began to scan all foreign diplomatic pouches that arrive in Egypt in precautionary measures to prevent the entry of any questionable objects, state news agency MENA reported on Monday.

Egyptian Foreign Ministry issued directives to Cairo Airport and Cairo Cargo Village to ensure the new measures are implemented, said the report.

Under the international norms, bags of diplomats are not subject to inspection measures.

"In case the X-ray scanners detect any suspicious objects, a permission will be retained from the Foreign Ministry to open them, " the report quoted a security source as saying.

This unusual security measure started when the nationwide anti- regime demonstration entered the 14th day, with protestors were still calling for an immediate resignation of President Hosni Mubarak.

On Sunday, the Egyptian foreign ministry accused unnamed foreign diplomats of attempting to smuggle weapons and communications equipment into the country.

"It was noted that some foreign embassies in Cairo tried to bring in arms and telecommunications equipment in diplomatic pouches," said the statement.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit said on Sunday his government rejects any outside dictates, especially from Western countries.

"I repeat it again and again. I advise them to stop telling us what to do and what they wish to see in Egypt. Egypt is under no one's mandate," the foreign minister said.

VietNamNet/Xinhuanet