Sudan presses U.S. on debt relief
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March 15, 2011 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese minister of Finance and
National Economy Ali Mahmood Hassanein met on Tuesday with the
visiting delegation from the United States Treasury where he stressed
that his country has fulfilled all the requirements for receiving debt
forgiveness.
Sudan’s crippling $37.8 billion debt is among the most contentious
issues discussed between the North and South as part of the
post-referendum arrangements before the country officially splits next
July. The disagreements centers on what portion of the debt should be
carried by each side.
Hassanein told the US Treasury team led by its Middle East and North
Africa office director Andrew Baukol that Sudan met all technical
criteria to qualify for the debt relief program known as the Heavily
Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC).
He noted that the government accomplishments include implementing an
economic program and also the poverty combating strategy which he said
is in its final phases.
The Sudanese official further said that the country witnessed positive
political developments particularly recognizing South Sudan referendum
outcome which was concluded in January.
He disclosed that a technical committee working on Sudan’s debt will
travel to Washington in April for the annual IMF and World Bank
meetings. Hassanein urged the U.S. to lift the economic sanctions
imposed on Sudan noting previous understandings between the two
countries.
The US official on his end said that he will urge the congress to
adopt a legislation that would provide resources for helping Sudan
with debt relief.
Khartoum reminded Washington of it promises to assist in this regard
after Sudan successfully completes the referendum.
But earlier this year the U.S. assistant Secretary of State for
African affairs Johnnie Carson cautioned that debt relief is not a
simple procedure and will require extensive work that could last years
and cited the example of Liberia after it emerged from the civil war.
Baukol called n Sudan to achieve progress on the issue of Abyei and
Darfur reiterating Washington’s earlier assertions that the North
African’s designation as a terror sponsor would be reviewed over the
next few months.
(ST)
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