Bush signs Sudan divest measure

CRAWFORD, Texas, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- U.S. President George Bush on Monday signed a bill allowing state and local governments to end investments in Sudan.

The Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act allows governments to dump Sudan-related investments without running afoul of laws barring interference in the conduct of U.S. foreign policy.

Sudan has become a focus of activists due to the Sudanese regime's role in the violence in Darfur.

Bush said in a statement that the United States would continue to press sanctions against Sudan.

"My administration will continue its efforts to bring about significant improvements in the conditions in Sudan through sanctions against the government of Sudan and high level diplomatic engagement and by supporting the deployment of peacekeepers in Darfur," Bush said.