Sudan wants dialogue with US despite lobby group pressure: official

August 24, 2009 (WASHINGTON) – The Sudanese government today reiterated its willingness to continue dialogue with the US administration amid growing concern in Khartoum of a possible setback in progress achieved as a result of pressure from Darfur advocacy groups in Washington.

US officials including special envoy Scott Gration and Senator John Kerry have in recent months appeared to suggest a new direction in ties with Sudan that would ultimately lead to normalizing relations.

Gration told US lawmakers in late July that sanctions are impeding his diplomatic engagement with Khartoum and said that Sudan’s inclusions in the list of states that sponsor terrorism is a “political decision” and contrary to CIA’s findings.

However, the US envoy later said his remarks were misunderstood and that he only supports limited lifting of sanctions.

The retraction drew criticism from Khartoum expressing disappointment over the “reversal” in his position.

The political bureau officer at Sudan’s ruling National Congress Party (NCP) Mandoor Al-Mahdi was quoted by Sudan official news agency as saying that lobby groups have influenced the US administration’s views as expressed by Gration at the US senate.

Al-Mahdi added that Gration is “struggling” in an “unsuitable” environment within the US administration forcing him to retract his statements.

The Sudanese official said that nonetheless this position was “anticipated” by Khartoum but noted that frequent visits by US congressional delegations signal a “new opinion” within the US administration.

“We know that the path of dialogue with the US administration is not paved with roses and easy and we know there is a lobby within the US administration and they are powerful and influential groups that all go in the direction of no dialogue between the US and Sudan,” Al-Mahdi said.

This month the US is expected to complete its comprehensive policy review of Sudan that will determine its conflict resolution strategy for the largest country in Africa

The release of the long awaited policy review was delayed by behind the scenes divisions within the Obama administration on the balance between the use of sticks and carrots with Khartoum.

(ST)