Sudanese commend Trump for removal of their country from terror list
Khartoum, Sudan (PANA) - Sudanese officials and civilians have for the past day been celebrating in social media and the regular outlets the removal of their country from the list of countries the U.S. accused of sponsoring international terrorism.
The designation severs lifeline from any state and denies it receiving of any economic assistance or dealing with banks or receiving investment offers.
On Monday two decades of Sudan’s political, economic and financial isolation were smashed with one tweet by President Donald Trump. The tweet started with “GREAT news!” and concluded with “BIG step for Sudan!”
Sudan is now moving out of the notorious list of pariah states sponsors of international terrorism.
The news came as no surprise as the two sides have been working on the process for over a year. However, the US administration kept the big shot to the last moment
Trump tweeted late Monday: “New government of Sudan, which is making great progress, agreed to pay $335 million to U.S. terror victims and families. Once deposited, I will lift Sudan from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list. At long last, JUSTICE for the American people and BIG step for Sudan!”
The news was immediately picked up by Sudanese Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdouk who not only published a tweet with commending Trump, but he equally made a moving statement late Monday to explain the merits of reaching such a state with the Americans.
“Thank you so much, President Trump! We very much look forward to your official notification to Congress rescinding the designation of Sudan as a state-sponsor of terrorism, which has cost Sudan too much,” wrote Hamdouk
Hamdouk was not alone. The two top military officials within the Sovereign Council, the Collective Presidency, Gen. Al Burhan Abdul Rahaman and Gen. Hamdan Daglo, both issued strong statement praising Trump and his administration for the move.
Gen. Fatah Al Rahaman Al Burhan, chair of the Council immediately tweeted, saying: “I would like to express my deep appreciation and that of the Sudanese people to President Trump and to the US Administration for the constructive step taken to remove Sudan off the Terror List in recognition of the historic change that has taken place in Sudan and for the struggle of the Sudanese people for Freedom, Peace and Justice.
Few hours later, his deputy aired a similar message: “I thank US President Donald Trump for his commitment to remove Sudan from the State Sponsors of Terrorism List. This is a major step for the people of Sudan. We look forward to increased international collaboration that best serves the Sudanese people.” Daglo tweeted.
The U.S. placed Sudan on the list after the Islamic government, then in place, hosted Usama Bin Laden, the chief of al Qaeda. Although bin laden left the Sudan earlier, still all terrorist attacks that occurred in Yemen, in Nairobi, Kenya and Dar salaamm, Tanzania and even the New York Twin tower attack were splashed on Sudan. None of those involved in the attack or the planning were Sudanese national, though
All Sudanese officials have made it clear in their tweets that their county was not a terrorist country nor were the Sudanese people but that they have to strike the deal if their country is to be part of the world community.
Sudan’s Minister for Finance, Ms Hiba Mohamed, said the money is already there and that it takes only the time for the banking papers for the deal to be sealed.
“Well this is the first step in a hundred miles,” Sudan's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Omar Gamar Eddin, told a press conference at the official News Agency SUNA on Tuesday.
But he said it was worth celebrating.
As put by the Prime Minister, until Monday Sudan was able to deal with only one international bank, because of the fear instilled in banking system that any violation of the American red line would make the bank pay millions in punishment. French Banks did when they tried to do business with some companies , notwithstanding the American ban.
Hamdouk said not only banks but even Sudanese expatriates were not able to send money home.
“This move opens the door wide for positive developments,” the Prime Minister said, expressing hopes of millions of ordinary people in Khartoum and beyond.
-0- PANA MO/AR 20Oct2020
