WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 (UPI) -- Conflict and unresolved issues along the border separating Sudan and South Sudan warrant the extension of a national emergency, the U.S. government said.
U.S. President Barack Obama renewed a national emergency related to Sudan. Sanctions were imposed on Sudan by Washington in 1997.
The U.S. State Department lauded Sudan for progress in resolving issues with an independent South Sudan. In 2005, Washington helped secure the peace deal that ended Sudan's civil war and paved the way to South Sudan's independence last year.
The State Department, however, said conflict in border states of the countries, coupled with the disputed states over a region known as Abyei, concerned Washington.
"Addressing these concerns is necessary for a peaceful Sudan and would enable the United States and Sudan to move towards a normalized relationship," the statement read.
The independent Sudan Tribune quoted a statement from the Sudanese foreign ministry saying Washington's aim was to "harm the vital interests of the people of Sudan by blocking its aspirations in development and impeding steps to promote peace."
Khartoum, the report said, is committed to preserving its sovereign right to make independent decisions. The foreign ministry said that, by extending the emergency, Washington had reneged on its promises to Khartoum.
