Sudan says to resume talks with US over sanctions

By Mohammed Amin

KHARTOUM (AA) – Sudan has agreed to resume talks with the U.S. over lifting sanctions following a Saudi mediation, according to the Sudanese foreign ministry.

Last week, the U.S. administration delayed a decision on lifting sanctions on Sudan by three months. In response, Khartoum froze negotiations with Washington for a three-month period.

However, Sudan said Wednesday it has agreed to a Saudi request to resume talks with the U.S. regarding the sanctions.

"In response to the request of the Saudi leadership, the President agreed to continue to communicate positively with the U.S. administration and its official agencies in the coming period in order to ensure the permanent lift of sanctions on Sudan," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

President Omar al-Bashir is currently on a state visit to Saudi Arabia.

In mid-January, the former Obama administration announced an easing of the two-decades-long sanctions, but after a delay of six months, to see Khartoum’s commitment to a five-track deal.

The deal includes cooperation with the U.S. on addressing regional conflicts and the threat of terrorism, cessation of hostilities in conflict areas in Sudan, improving humanitarian access throughout Sudan, support for the peace process in South Sudan, and cooperation in combating Ugandan rebels of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).

Sudan is on the U.S. list of a state sponsor of terrorism since 1993.