Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09KHARTOUM23
2009-01-08 09:06:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Khartoum
Cable title:  

KHARTOUM: SECTION 565 WAIVER REQUEST

Tags:  KBCT PREL SU 
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VZCZCXYZ0003
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHKH #0023 0080906
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 080906Z JAN 09
FM AMEMBASSY KHARTOUM
TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 2658
UNCLAS KHARTOUM 000023 

DEPT FOR AF/SPG OWEN CLARKE, NEA/RA FOR JOE SCOVITCH

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KBCT PREL SU
SUBJECT: KHARTOUM: SECTION 565 WAIVER REQUEST

REF STATE 132944

UNCLAS KHARTOUM 000023

DEPT FOR AF/SPG OWEN CLARKE, NEA/RA FOR JOE SCOVITCH

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KBCT PREL SU
SUBJECT: KHARTOUM: SECTION 565 WAIVER REQUEST

REF STATE 132944


1. (SBU) Khartoum requests waiver of the requirements of Section 565
of Title V, Part C of the Foreign Relations Authorizations Act for
the reasons contained in paragraph two.


2. (SBU) Both the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA),which ended
the 21-year civil war in 2005, and the Interim National Constitution
guarantee the rights of non-Muslims in Khartoum, and the secular
Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) is part of the new
Government of National Unity (GNU). However, in practice, Sharia law
continues to be enforced in Khartoum and Islamic fundamentalists
maintain effective control of the government. While initially
becoming more tolerant after the signing of the peace agreement,
security forces backed by Islamic fundamentalists orchestrated
several crackdowns on the press and civil society organizations in

2008. To require firms to sign or accept such a certification would
subject them to possible harassment by Government of Sudan
organizations or by fundamentalist organizations. Local companies
would not sign or accept such a certification and there are not
available alternative sources for essential services and supplies.


3. (SBU) Language from last year's justification for certification
and waiver remains valid as it pertains to Sudan.

FERNANDEZ