Sudan blames US for its economic situation

May 29, 2012 (KHARTOUM) – A Sudanese diplomat has pinned the blame firmly on the United States (US) for the worsening economic conditions in his country, accusing Washington of derailing efforts to assist Sudan’s economy.

According to Rahmt Allah Osman, the under-secretary of the Sudanese Foreign Ministry, Washington bears responsibility for Sudan’s economic situation because it has kept economic sanctions on Khartoum for many years.

The Sudanese diplomat made his statement during a meeting he held with Turkey ambassador to Khartoum on Tuesday.

Osman discussed with the Turkish diplomat the efforts being exerted by his country to re-arrange a date for the donor conference that was supposed to be held in Istanbul in February with the aim of providing support to Sudan’s economy after the loss of oil revenues due to South Sudan’s secession.

The conference was delayed after Washington threatened to boycott it unless Sudan allows aid access in its border regions of South Kordofan and Blue Nile, where fighting between the government and rebels is threatening a humanitarian crisis.

Osman accused Washington of obstructing the conference and attaching pre-conditions to its participation.

Sudan has been under comprehensive US economic and trade sanctions since 1997 in relation to its alleged connections with terrorism networks and human rights abuses.

In 2003, the US imposed further sanctions, particularly on weapons exports, following the outbreak of the conflict in Sudan’s western region of Darfur.

(ST)