Sudan expects normalization of US relations

KHARTOUM, Sudan, Dec 3, 2004 (UPI) — Sudan Foreign Minister Mustafa Ismail projected an imminent normalization of relations with the United States, despite the resignation of Colin Powell.

“U.S. President George W. Bush is keen on achieving peace and stability in Sudan and normalizing relations between the two countries,” Ismail told UPI in an interview Friday.

Ismail dismissed fears the resignation of the moderate Powell as U.S. secretary of state and his replacement with hardliner Condoleezza Rice would adversely affect Sudanese-U.S. relations.

“Rice is closer to President Bush who is interested in normalizing relations with Sudan and as such the State Department is expected to fully implement the president’s policy and to work in harmony with him,” Ismail said.

He said Sudan had reached an agreement with Powell two years ago he described as “a road map for normalizing relations” that goes into effect as soon as the government signs a final peace agreement with southern rebels of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army.

He said the plan calls for Washington to lift economic sanctions on Sudan, remove its name from the list of countries supporting terrorism and raise the level of diplomatic representation to that of charge d’affaires.