US moves to lift decades-old trade embargo against Sudan

The United States has lifted its 20-year-old trade embargo against Sudan. State Department spokesperson, Heather Nauert said that the lifting of sanctions is in recognition of Sudan government's sustained positive actions to maintain a cessation of hostilities in conflict areas, improve humanitarian access throughout Sudan, and maintain cooperation with the United States on addressing regional conflicts and the threat of terrorism. The decision came after months of diplomatic talks between the two countries that began during the



tenure of former US president Barack Obama. 

Sudan has hailed the lifting of sanction and said it is a positive decision. In a statement Sudan's foreign Ministry said the country welcomes the positive decision taken by American President Donald Trump.

Washington had imposed the sanctions in 1997 over Khartoum's alleged support to Islamist militant groups. Now slain Al-Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden lived in Sudan between 1992 to 1996.