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US to appoint ambassador to Sudan after 23 year gap - Pompeo

WASHINGTON, Dec 4 (KUNA) -- Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced Wednesday that US and Sudan have decided to "initiate the process" of exchanging ambassadors after a 23-year gap.
"This decision is a meaningful step forward in strengthening the US-Sudan bilateral relationship, particularly as the civilian-led transitional government works to implement the vast reforms under the political agreement and constitutional declaration of August 17, 2019," Pompeo said in a statement.
He added "we look forward to working with the Senate to confirm an ambassador to Sudan".
Pompeo noted that since the appointment of Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok in August, he has "led Sudan's transitional government, installed a civilian cabinet, and made key personnel changes to break with the policies and practices of the previous regime".
"He has demonstrated a commitment to peace negotiations with armed opposition groups, established a commission of inquiry to investigate violence against protestors, and committed to holding democratic elections at the end of the 39-month transition period," he affirmed.
The US top diplomat stressed that the US "remains a steadfast partner of the Sudanese people and their pursuit of peace, security, prosperity, democracy, and equality".
Meanwhile, the State Department said in a separate statement that Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale met today in Washington with Hamdok and congratulated him on "leading Sudan's civilian-led government and expressed unwavering US support for Sudan's democratic transition," and highlighted the "goal" of completing the formation of the transitional government by forming the Transitional Legislative Council.
Hale and the Sudanese Prime Minister discussed "pathways to strengthening bilateral relations, as well as cooperative efforts that can accelerate progress in bringing definitive peace between the government and Sudan's armed opposition groups".
The US top official asked Hamdok's support "in realizing progress on the political roadmap for South Sudan," the statement noted. (end) si