quotation

Sudan releases U.S. goods from port

Published: April 28, 2008 at 9:56 AM

KHARTOUM, Sudan, April 28 (UPI) — The Sudanese government released containers with materials for a new U.S. embassy compound from Sudan’s main port on the Red Sea, customs officials said.

Sudanese officials had said they wouldn’t release the containers until U.S. officials paid custom fees. The United States claims it is exempt for the charges, The Sudan Tribune reported Monday.

The Tribune cites the Arabic daily Asharq Al-Awsat saying a decision by U.S. officials to open bank accounts for the Sudanese Embassy in Washington prompted the move to release the containers.

Anonymous Sudanese officials told Asharq Al-Awsat the move was unrelated to ongoing negotiations between Washington and Khartoum.