ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) on Thursday stressed that the continued listing of Sudan as a State Sponsor of Terrorism (SST) by the United States has continued to negatively affect the political, economic and security transition of Sudan.

The remark was made by the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the 55-member pan-African bloc in its meeting outcome communique issued on Thursday, which followed the council's recent meeting that dwelt upon the current situation in Sudan.

Encouraging the government of Sudan together with the United States, to urgently address those questions that led to the country being designated as a state sponsor of terrorism, the council also welcomed the assurances presented by the U.S. government that intensive efforts continue to be undertaken by both sides towards addressing this matter.

The council further "welcomed the diplomatic rapprochement between the governments of the United States and Sudan, including recent announcements of exchange of ambassadors by the two countries for the first time in 23 years."

It also acknowledged the commitment by the U.S. to continue providing financial assistance towards the recovery and development of Sudan and further welcomes the decision by the United States Department of State to remove Sudan from its list of governments that are engaging in or tolerating systematic and ongoing religious freedom violations.

It also welcomed the commitment expressed by Sudan's government to compensate the families of the victims of terrorist attacks for the bombing of the United States Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania in 1998 and the carrier USS Cole in 2000, as part of the efforts towards the delisting of Sudan as a state sponsor of terrorism.

The AU Peace and Security Council also called on international banks and financial institutions to commence their operations in the Sudan and facilitate international financial transfers, in order for the Sudanese diaspora to contribute towards the recovery and reconstruction of their country.

In September, the three African members on the UN Security Council together with the AU had asked for the lifting of all international sanctions on Sudan following the formation of a civilian-led transitional government in the crisis-stricken African country.

Sudan was added to the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism in 1993 during the rule of former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir who was ousted by the military in April last year amid popular protests against al-Bashir's administration.

A ban on arms-related exports and sales, prohibitions on economic assistance, imposition of miscellaneous financial and other restrictions including loans from the World Bank and other international financial institutions are among the sanctions which the United States imposes on countries on the list. Enditem

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