Sudan FM warns against the extension of US economic sanctions

KHARTOUM, Feb 23, 2004 (Sudan Tribune) — Sudanese minister of foreign affairs, Mustafa Osman Ismail, warned that extension of US economic sanctions will never benefit the peace process.

Nonetheless, The minister has ruled out the possibility of extension of the sanctions. He said this as the date for the US Congress’ discussion on the sanctions imposed on the country was drawing close.

He indicted any neutral observer can judge the peace efforts which the government was exerting.

He further added that the international community should support the peace efforts and should not hinder them by putting sanctions before them.

Sudan’s Islamist links with international terrorist organizations represented a special matter of concern for the U.S. Government, leading to its designation as a state sponsor of terrorism in 1993. In October 1997, the U.S. imposed comprehensive economic, trade, and financial sanctions against the Sudan.