As part of the deal to get off the terror blacklist, the White House said that Sudan’s transitional government had deposited $335 million to compensate survivors and family members of anti-US attacks that took place when former dictator Omar Al-Bashir welcomed Al-Qaeda.
“Today represents a momentous step forward in the United States-Sudan bilateral relationship and marks a pivotal turning point for Sudan,” a White House statement said.
The deal with Sudan allows “for a new future of collaboration and support for its ongoing and historic democratic transition,” it said.
Sudan’s civilian prime minister, Abdulla Hamdok, thanked Trump on Twitter without mentioning recognition of Israel – a step he had earlier said he was not empowered to take.
“We’re working closely with the US administration & Congress to conclude the SSTL removal process in a timely manner,” Hamdok said, referring to the list of state sponsors of terrorism.
In Khartoum, a government source said that the call involved Trump, Hamdok, Netanyahu and Sudan’s top general, Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan.
Trump had announced his plan to delist Sudan on Monday through Twitter. But in the days before he formally took the move, Israel sent a delegation to Khartoum to discuss normalization.
Trump, who is trailing in the polls ahead of the November 3 vote, has used his leverage over Sudan to press for recognition of Israel.
AFP