US sanctions hurt Sudan: envoy

2009-07-30 20:03

Washington - President Barack Obama's special envoy to Sudan says there is no evidence to back up the US designation of Sudan as a state sponsor of terrorism.

Scott Gration told lawmakers on Thursday at a hearing that US sanctions linked to that designation hurt the work he and others are trying to do to rebuild and help people suffering in the war-torn country.

Gration bluntly called the sanctions a "political decision" and said that at some point the US was going to have to "unwind" them.

Gration says that the Khartoum government has been helpful in stopping the flow of weapons and in dealing with key members of the terror group al-Qaeda.

Democratic Senator Russ Feingold disagreed, saying statements of Sudan's co-operation are "overstated."

- AP