Sudan on October 23, 2020 became the third Arab nation after UAE and Bahrain, in recent weeks to normalise relations with Israel.
- The event followed the US announcement of removing Sudan from its State Sponsor of Terrorism list, of which the North African country was a part for over 27 years.
- Now only three countries in the list: After Sudan’s delisting, only three countries remain with the designation: Syria, Iran and North Korea.
- US Congress approval: Sudan’s delisting would require approval from the US Congress.
- Added in 1993: The US had added Sudan to the terrorism list in 1993, after it was accused of harbouring groups such as Hezbollah and Palestinian militant outfits which Washington deems as terrorists.
- Consequences: The US can place four categories of sanctions on countries part of the list– restrictions on U.S. foreign assistance; a ban on defence exports and sales; certain controls over exports of dual use items; and miscellaneous financial and other restrictions.
- Sanctions can also be placed on countries and persons that engage in certain trade with designated countries.
(Source: Indian Express)
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