US praises Sudan on counterterrorism despite blacklist

WASHINGTON – The Trump administration is praising Sudan for improving its counterterrorism record despite keeping it on a blacklist of countries that sponsor terrorism.

Just a day after once again labelling Sudan a “state sponsor of terrorism” in its annual terrorism report, the State Department on Thursday welcomed Sudan’s recent announcement with Saudi Arabia that it remains committed to a positive dialogue with the U.S. on fighting terror.

Spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement that Sudan had taken steps to address the threat of terrorism and expressed a willingness to work with the U.S. and others on the matter.

“The United States notes Sudan’s improved counterterrorism efforts through enhanced interagency and international co-operation to address the threat from ISIS and other terrorist organizations, and its willingness to pursue counterterrorism operations alongside regional partners, including operations to counter threats to U.S. interests and personnel in Sudan,” she said.

Sudan was angered and threatened to cut off the dialogue with the United States earlier this month when President Donald Trump did not entirely eliminate sanctions that had been temporarily suspended by the Obama administration. Instead, the sanctions were suspended for another three months. Then on Wednesday, the State Department’s terrorism report again identified Sudan as a “state sponsor of terrorism” as it has done since 1993.

The report, however, provided no reason for Sudan’s continued designation and instead noted that the country had made progress in the area.