Obama to offer incentives to Sudanese government

Source: Associated Press

Oct 19, 1:41 PM EDT

Obama to offer incentives to Sudanese government

By DARLENE SUPERVILLE
Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama said Monday that the U.S. is shifting its policy toward Sudan, offering the government incentives if it takes steps to improve the human suffering there and work toward internal peace.

But sanctions and pressure from the international community will follow if Sudan does not follow that path, Obama said.

The president said he will soon renew tough sanctions against the government of President Omar al-Bashir, whom the International Criminal Court has charged with crimes against humanity and war crimes for allegedly masterminding deadly attacks throughout Sudan's Darfur region.

"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, then there will be increased pressure imposed by the United States and the international community," Obama said. "As the United States and our international partners meet our responsibility to act, the government of Sudan must meet its responsibilities to take concrete steps in a new direction."

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