US should not normalize relations with Sudan now – SPLM
July 30, 2009 (WASHINGTON) — The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) Secretary General has urged the United States to not normalize bilateral relations with Sudan and to maintain sanctions till the full implementation of a peace deal the former rebels signed with the government in 2005.
Mr. Scott Gration said sanctions on Sudan are hampering efforts to bring peace to the country, including giving South Sudan the economic help to promote its autonomy.
Amum who opposed the lift of sanctions, said the “normalization of relations with Sudan should come as a result of the full implementation of the CPA, the achievement of Democratic transformation, through the conduct of a fair and free elections, and after the ending of the war in Darfur through a negotiated peace settlement.”
Pagan warned the US legislators that the National Congress Party (NCP) “want to use the new posture of dialogue put forward by the Obama Administration to get the lifting of Sanctions, and the removal of Sudan’s name from the list of States Sponsors of Terrorism and to normalize relations with United States of America.”
He further requested that the lifting of economic sanctions on Sudan can be considered if the NCP implements the following: “the demarcation of borders; the adoption of the referendum law and a National Security Act that respects freedoms; the lifting of press censorship; the institution of a transparent oil sector; the implementation of the PCA decision of Abyei, and the achievement of a monitored Ceasefire in Darfur.”
Last June Washington hosted an international meeting to discuss the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. The two parties renewed their commitment to the full implementation of the deal and formed a tripartite committee with the US envoy to tackle their differences.
(ST)