Sudan normalizes relations with Israel
Khartoum, Sudan (PANA) - United States and Sudanese officials said here Friday Sudan would normalise its relations with its hitherto enemy, Israel, a statement issued by the White House said.
This followed discussions by US President Donald Trump, Sudanese Chairman of the Sovereign Council Abdul Fattah al-Burhan, Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdouk, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sudan’s historic progress towards democracy and opportunities to advance peace in the region.
The statement said “after decades of living under a brutal dictatorship, the people of Sudan are finally taking charge and that the country is normalizing relations with its hitherto enemy Israel”.
The bombshell by Sudanese political and religious standards said Sudan had been a symbol of anti- Israel occupation and was known for its “three Nos: no normalization, no peace and no Negotiations” with Israel.
It was a motto adopted by a famous Arab summit meeting held in Khartoum following the humiliating defeat by Israel of the Arab coalition back in 1967.
“The Sudanese transitional government has demonstrated its courage and commitment to combating terrorism, building its democratic institutions, and improving its relations with its neighbors.
“In light of this historic progress, and following President Trump’s decision to remove Sudan from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list, the United States and Israel agreed to partner with Sudan in its new start and ensure that it is fully integrated into the international community.” the statement said.
It pointed out that the United States would “take steps to restore Sudan’s sovereign immunity and to engage its international partners to reduce Sudan’s debt burdens, including advancing discussions on debt forgiveness consistent with the Highly Indebted Poor Countries Initiative”.
It further pointed out that the United States and Israel also committed to working with their partners to support the people of Sudan in strengthening their democracy, improving food security, countering terrorism and extremism, and tapping into their economic potential.
The four leaders, according to the statement, have “agreed to the normalization of relations between Sudan and Israel and to end the state of belligerence between their nations”.
In addition, the leaders agreed to begin economic and trade relations, with an initial focus on agriculture. The leaders also agreed that delegations will meet in the coming weeks to negotiate agreements of cooperation in those areas as well as in agriculture technology, aviation, migration issues and other areas for the benefit of the two peoples.
The leaders also resolved to work together to build a better future and advance the cause of peace in the region.
This move will improve regional security and unlock new opportunities for the people of Sudan, Israel, the Middle East, and Africa.
“This historic agreement is a testament to the bold and visionary approach of the four leaders. Prime Minister Netanyahu, Chairman al-Burhan, and Prime Minister Hamdouk expressed their appreciation to President Trump for his pragmatic and unique approach to ending old conflicts and building a future of peace and opportunity for all the people of the region,” the statement concluded.
-0- PANA MO/RA 23Oct2020
