Leftist politician Abdullah Ibrahim

Sudanese leftist politician Abdullah Ibrahim said that the Sudanese opposition has been surprised of the notable shift in relation between the U.S and Sudanese government, saying that they have used the American card to pressure the ruling regime.
He added that the Sudanese regime was accepted by the U.S Administration for a long time, stressing that the opposition was aspiring the continuation of sanctions against the government to keep it isolated.
He stressed that the Sudanese government met all demands of the U.S Administration during the recent period, especially on the economic level, including the conditions of International Monetary Fund and World Bank.
He signaled to the recent decisions taken by the Sudanese government to lift subsidies on fuel prices and a number of commodities, saying that the decision, which led to increasing demonstrations, came to respond to the demands of U.S and international institutions.
He added that the government turns to dissolve the public sector to pave the way for the domination of the private sector during the coming period.
On the political side, Ibrahim said that the Sudanese government cooperated with the U.S since 1999 especially in the fields of combating terrorism, stressing that the American decision to lift the economic ban on Sudan reflects the Sudanese readiness to resume cooperation with the Americans.
He added, "One of the major common issues between the two countries is the situation in South Sudan, saying that the Americans believe that the stability in the new-born state will not be achieved without a role from Sudan.
Ibrahim stressed that the Sudanese regime took practical steps to normalize relations with Khartoum, saying that these steps embarrassed the U.S Administration and pushed it to take its decision to lift the sanctions imposed against Sudan for years.