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December 14, 2020 (KHARTOUM) - The U.S. officially lifted its designation of Sudan as a state sponsor of terror on Monday, the Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said.
"Today, Sudan’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism is officially rescinded. This represents a fundamental change in our bilateral relationship toward greater collaboration and support for Sudan’s historic democratic transition," said Pompeo following an announcement made by the U.S. embassy in Khartoum in the early morning of Monday.
"This achievement was made possible by the efforts of Sudan’s civilian-led transitional government to chart a bold new course away from the legacy of the Bashir regime and, in particular, to meet the statutory and policy criteria for rescission," he further said.
U.S. President Trump sent the notification to the Congress on October 26 following an agreement by Khartoum to normalize relations with Israel and depositing $335 million for the settlement with families of the terror victims.
The notification of delisting triggered a 45-day period in which Congress could have overridden the decision.
The decision enables Khartoum to engage in talks with the international financial institutions over debt relief and to borrow money for development projects.
The compensations for the victims of the terror attacks have been deposited in an escrow account can only be disbursed if the congress approves a sovereign immunity bill for Sudan.
Two key Democratic Senators oppose the legislation primarily due to the issue of 9/11 families who want to sue Sudan in US courts.
Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok on Monday morning congratulated Sudanese for the removal from the State Sponsors of Terrorism List (SSTL).
"After 3 decades of global isolation on the SSTL, Sudan officially rejoins the international community as a peaceful nation supporting global stability," he wrote in a tweet.
"This achievement comes with numerous opportunities for Sudan’s development and we thank everyone involved in making this happen," he added.
(ST)
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