Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Africa, issued the following statement on the Obama Administration’s intention to ease sanctions on the Republic of the Sudan:

     “The decision by the Obama Administration to ease sanctions on Sudan imports and exports of goods and services and related commercial activity is unjustified at this point since the Khartoum government has not ceased its violations of the human rights of its citizens.  Violent government actions continue against Sudanese citizens in Darfur, Nubia, the Nuba Mountains, Bejaland and Blue Nile, as does the persecution of Christians nationwide. Until the Government of the Sudan can halt this persecution of so many of their citizens, any easing of sanctions is inconsistent with U.S. principles”

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