Obama Renews Sanctions On Sudan

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Despite progress being made in regard to its dispute with South Sudan, U.S. President Barack Obama renewed sanctions on Sudan. The U.S. sanctions against Sudan have been in effect since 1997.

According to the State Department, Obama signed Thursday the national emergency in Executive Order 13067, renewing the economic sanctions with respect to Sudan.

Sudan has criticized the decision.

Sudan
Sudan

U.S. law requires that a decision be made regarding the renewal of the national emergency each year by the anniversary of the national emergency.

“In recent years, Sudan has made progress in resolving a number of outstanding issues with South Sudan, which contributes significantly to the prospects for peace between the two countries,” the State Department acknowledged in a press statement.

Nevertheless, according to the State Department the ongoing conflict in Southern Kordofan, Blue Nile, and Darfur continue to threaten regional stability, and the human rights and humanitarian crises there – including the lack of humanitarian access – are very serious.

Outstanding issues with South Sudan, such as the final status of Abyei, also pose such a threat, according to the State Department.

“Addressing these concerns is necessary for a peaceful Sudan and would enable the United States and Sudan to move towards a normalized relationship,” the State Department said. “We will continue our dialogue with the Government of Sudan on the steps that are necessary to improve our bilateral relationship.”

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