Sudan remains committed to fighting terrorism

By Mohammed Amin

KHARTOUM (AA) - Sudanese President Omer Al-Bashir on Monday reaffirmed his nation’s commitment to the global war against terrorism.

With Washington expected to decide Oct. 12 whether to permanently lift two decades of sanctions on Sudan, Bashir stressed that his government will work closely with the international community on anti-terrorism efforts.

Sudan was designated by the U.S. as a state sponsor of terrorism in 1993 for allegedly harboring terrorist organizations.

Cooperating in the war against terrorism is one of the main conditions it must meet in order for sanctions to be lifted.

Addressing the Sudanese parliament Monday, Bashir also confirmed his government’s commitment to combating human trafficking, money laundering and corruption.

In addition, he said Sudan will press for economic and political reform.

“We will continue the implementation of the unprecedented recommendations of the national dialogue with the participation of the many vital forces in the country,” he said.

Bashir added that Sudan had managed to emerge from the isolation imposed on it long ago by the international community, noting that officials from Europe and the U.S. frequently visit the country.

Last week, Sudan welcomed the U.S.’s decision to remove it from a list of countries whose citizens are banned from entering the U.S.

Sudan was one of six Muslim-majority countries on the original list, but President Donald Trump on Sunday ordered it to be dropped as he issued a new list under which eight nations now have complete or partial blocks on travel to the U.S.