Sudan 'completely shocked and surprised' by US decision to continue sanctions

Khartoum responded to the US President's decision to extend sanctions with complete surprise, suspending a joint-US committee on the issue.

MENA

2 min read

Robert Cusack

12 July, 2017

The President of Sudan is wanted by the International Criminal Court on genocide charges [Anadolu]

The Sudanese regime was reportedly left in "complete shock" on Wednesday, following the US President's decision to extend sanctions by three months.

The US government reportedly sent assurances the sanctions would be lifted after intelligence reports on Khartoum's actions had been "extremely positive."

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir issued a decree on Wednesday freezing a joint-committee formed with the United States to negotiate sanctions relief, state news agency SUNA reported.

The foreign minister was reportedly furious following the US' decision, according to government sources and said he was considering "closing the door" on the human rights issue.

"I regret the American decision, it is not objective and my country continues to look forward to the complete lifting of sanctions," said Ibrahim Ghandour.

"My government has fully complied with the five demands."

Trump postponed the decision to lift sanctions against Sudan by three months on Tuesday.

The US leader signed an executive order extending the sanctions period, while also recognising "significant, substantial progress," a statement from the State Department said.

"The Administration is committed to intensifying engagement with the Government of Sudan... including our ongoing dialogue on improving Sudan's human rights and religious freedom practices," spokesperson Heather Nauert said in a statement.

The New Arab's correspondent in Khartoum said the government was now presented with two choices – either to start the process with the US again or revert its foreign policy back in line with Iran and Russia.

The New Arab has contacted the Sudanese embassy for comment.