Sudan aspires to normalize ties with US - minister

KHARTOUM, Aug 29 (KUNA) -- Sudan's Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour said Tuesday that his country looks forward to normalizing its relations with the United States.
Ghandour made his remarks to reporters after his meeting with Administrator of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) Mark Green in Khartoum.
For his part, Green said the final decision to ease his country's imposed sanctions on Sudan is vested in the hands of President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.
There has been progress, particularly in recent weeks, Green said, noting that the matter also depends on Khartoum's commitment to achieve long-lasting changes in its policies.
Former US President Barack Obama announced the easing of sanctions on Sudan in January before he stepped down in a goodwill gesture recognizing the North African country's increased cooperation in the fight against terrorism.
The US first imposed sanctions on Sudan in 1997, including a trade embargo and blocking the government's assets for human rights violations and terrorism support. (end) mmm.rj.ma