U.S. TIGHTENS SANCTIONS ON SUDAN
WASHINGTON — The United States has intensified sanctions on Sudan.
President George Bush has signed an order that increases sanctions on
Sudan in an effort to end the war in Darfour. Officials said the Darfour
Peace and Accountability Act would focus on Sudan's growing oil industry.
"The government of Sudan continues to implement policies and actions
that violate human rights, in particular with respect to the conflict in
Darfour," Bush said on Oct. 13.
Under the law, the United States would sanction those deemed responsible
for genocide. The executive order bans transactions with Sudan's oil sector,
said to have financed the war in Darfour.
"The pervasive role played by the government of Sudan in Sudan's
petroleum and petrochemical industries threatens U.S. national security and
foreign policy interests," Bush said.
The Darfour Peace and Accountability Act expands an executive order
signed by President Bill Clinton in 1997. Under the latest order, the United
States could still aid southern Sudan.
On Oct. 14, Khartoum signed a peace agreement with the rebel Eastern
Front designed to help end the 12-year war. The government said the
agreement included the sharing of power and resources.
