Sudan Islamic party says US sanctions unwise

Nov 7, 2005 (KHARTOUM) — The opposition Popular Congress (PC) party has criticized the one-year extension of the economic sanctions against Sudan, and the proposal put forward by the American ambassador to the UN to look into imposing further sanctions against Sudan.

The party described these as unwise and discourteous actions and decisions, particularly considering that Vice-President Salva Kiir Mayardit has been in Washington.

Deputy leader of the PC Abdallah Hassan Ahmad criticized the call for the imposition of sanctions against Sudanese officials and extension of the already imposed sanctions, although he played down its economic effects on the country.

Speaking to Al-Khartoum newspaper, he said the renewal of sanctions against Sudan and the call to impose more was unjustified at this particular time when Sudan had achieved noticeable progress with regards to ending war.

Abdallah said aid and the imposition of sanctions should not be linked to the resolution of Sudan’s problems, and that current US policies were not compatible with efforts the US claims it is making to achieve peace in Sudan and stability in western states.

(ST)