Ghandour’s visit to Washington part of ongoing dialogue: NCP

February 8, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – The political secretary of Sudan’s ruling National Congress Party (NCP) Mustafa Osman Ismail said the visit of presidential assistant Ibrahim Ghandour to Washington is part of an ongoing dialogue between the two countries.

The pro-government Sudan Media Center (SMC) quoted Ismail as saying that Ghandour will discuss with the US administration ways for promoting bilateral ties in various domains besides efforts aiming at lifting economic and political sanctions imposed on Sudan.

Washington imposed economic and trade sanctions on Sudan in 1997 in response to its alleged connection to terror networks and human rights abuses. In 2007 it strengthened the embargo, citing abuses in Darfur which it labelled as genocide.

Furthermore, Sudan was placed on the US terrorism list in 1993 over allegations it was harbouring Islamist militants working against regional and international targets.

Khartoum complains that US economic sanctions prevents Sudan from joining a debt relief program known as the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) allowing to cancel or reduce the debt repayments of the insolvent east African country.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects Sudan’s external debts to be $48 billion in 2015.

Ismail pointed out that the visit represents a qualitative shift in the course of relations between Khartoum and Washington, saying Ghandour is visiting Washington at an official invitation from the US administration.

He said the media campaign against Ghandour’s visit was organised by opposition elements and pressure groups known for their hostility towards Sudan.

The Sudanese government on Saturday announced the departure of Ghandour to Washington.

The US state department spokesperson, Marie Harf, confirmed Ghandour’s visit to Washington, saying that Obama’s administration intends to engage in a meaningful dialogue with the Sudanese officials on several issues without elaborating on those issues.

She added the visit will follow up on talks initiated by the Sudanese foreign minister Ali Karti saying the two sides will openly discuss issues of common interests.

Karti’s trip to Washington triggered a wave of criticisms against his invitation to take part in the annual National Prayer Breakfast together with US president Barak Obama and international dignitaries on Thursday.

(ST)