US offers 'incentives' to Sudan

Washington, 19 Oct-(ANA)-US President Barack Obama has offered Sudan "incentives" if it acts to improve situation on the ground, unveiling a new policy on Khartoum.

But Mr Obama threatened "increased pressure" if Sudan failed to make progress towards achieving peace.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the US remained focused on reversing the "ongoing dire human consequences of genocide" in the Darfur region.

The UN estimates that 300,000 people have died in Darfur since 2003.

In a statement, Mr Obama said: "If the government of Sudan acts to improve the situation on the ground and to advance peace, there will be incentives.

"If it does not, there will be increased pressures imposed by the United States and the international community."

The US has sanctions in place against Khartoum, and President Omar al-Bashir is wanted on an international arrest warrant for crimes against humanity in Darfur. (ANA)

FA/ANA/19 October 2009---