US against lifting sanctions from Sudan

The US on Monday evening stressed its refusal to lift international sanctions imposed on Sudan since 1996.

The spokesman Philip Recker added that the US will not help the removal of these sanctions until the Sudanese government takes tangible measures to ending its backing to these groups.

He said " we do not support the lifting of sanctions until the Government of Sudan takes concrete, verifiable steps to end its support for terrorist groups. This is a direct reflection of the UN Security Council Resolution 1044, 1054 and 1070, which set specific requirements which Sudan has not fulfilled."

Replying to a question on the visit recently paid by the special US envoy Harry Johnston to Sudan, Recker said that this visit aimed at strengthening the peace process there and for improving human rights and avail the arrival more humanitarian aids.

Last week, almost all members of the UN Security Council including Egypt, and Ethiopia had backed a draft bill submitted by Mali to lift the sanctions imposed on Sudan.