Sudanese president condemns renewed US sanctions

Nov 9, 2005 (KHARTOUM) — The Sudanese president Omar al-Beshir, has stated Sudan’s rejection of the US stance of double standards which imposes sanctions against the country and in the same time supporting the peace process in Sudan.

During his meeting with US Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick at the Republican Palace in Khartoum today, Al-Beshir said that implementing the peace agreement, besides actual internal implementation, required foreign support, be it from donors or normal dealings with countries sponsoring the agreement.

The president pointed out that the government rejected the measures taken by some individuals or groups inside the USA to partially lift the sanctions or lift them from the south alone, letting them remain in the north.

He said that what was taking place in the US was aimed at continuing to pressurize Sudan. He said that some sides were committed to implementing the peace agreement and restoring ties between the two countries.

Al-Beshir said that the government was committed to implementing the peace agreement according to what had been agreed upon. He said that the government of national unity, formed after lengthy consultations with stakeholders, was working consistently.

He pointed out the other elements of the peace agreement being implemented, which, he said, included forming governments in the north and south as well as forming the petroleum and evaluation commissions, besides the commissions and committees which the National Congress would be discussing in its next meeting.

Al-Beshir said that the government was committed to the Darfur cease-fire agreement. He said that the failure by the rebels to state their position was leading to more security violations.

(ST)