Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Ismail said that Khartoum will ban U.S. officials from entering Sudan in response to a similar measure taken by the United States. "We will treat them likewise and we will forbid them from entering Sudan", the Saudi daily Okaz cited Ismail as saying. "I don't believe we will be the main losers, especially if they want to have a role in achieving peace and restoring stability in the region," he added. Ismail also warned Washington against taking a harsh stance against Sudan, saying that "Any sanctions against Khartoum will further strain relations and this is what the U.S. administration should avoid." The United States had banned the entry of Sudanese officials to show its disapproval with the way Khartoum handles the situation in the western region of Darfur.