Sudan "will not withdraw from the nomination battle unless it deems that the battle is against African interests, something which we so far have not seen," Foreign Minister Mustafa Ismail told reporters on his return from the United States and Canada.
Washington, accusing Khartoum of grave human rights violations and support for international terrorism, is lobbying for another country, possibly Mauritius, to assume the Security Council seat reserved for an African nation.
But Ismail said Sudan "each day gains a new ground in the candidacy battle against the American administration ... and is supported by African, Arab and other nations."
The foreign minister accused the United States of "imposing its decisions on other nations with intimidation and temptation."
"The American Administration has no way but to reconsider its policies toward Sudan," he warned.
But Ismail nonetheless said that recent meetings with US officials have led him to believe there will be an improvement in US-Sudan relations "in the coming period." -- KHARTOUM (AFP)
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
