Pompeo Notifies Hamdok of Progress on Removing Sudan from Terror List

Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok attends a ceremony for new civilian governors. EPA file photo
Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok attends a ceremony for new civilian governors. EPA file photo
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Pompeo Notifies Hamdok of Progress on Removing Sudan from Terror List

Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok attends a ceremony for new civilian governors. EPA file photo
Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok attends a ceremony for new civilian governors. EPA file photo

Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok received a telephone call on Thursday from US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during which they reviewed lifting Sudan from the US list of states sponsoring terrorism.

"We are looking forward to the continued support of the US administration to Sudan's transitional government," said Hamdok on his Twitter account.

Hamdok also received a phone call from Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in which they discussed several matters, according to a statement by the Friends of Sudan meeting that will be sponsored and hosted by Saudi Arabia on Aug 12.

The phone conversation tackled cooperation to maintain the security of the Red Sea, and develop bilateral investments. They both discussed the importance of activating the Saudi-Sudanese Joint Committee and pushing towards the success of the transitional period.

On Saturday, Sudan's government welcomed remarks from Pompeo that he would like to remove Sudan from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism.

The US designated Sudan a state sponsor of terror in 1993 over ousted President Omar al-Bashir’s ties with terrorist groups.

The Sudanese government often reiterates its commitment to holding talks with the US administration in order to end Sudan’s isolation.

Last week, the US Department of State expressed before Congress the support to a democratic transition in Sudan.

Earlier, the Sudanese government agreed to compensate victims’ families of the USS Cole Bombing in 2000 and the explosions at the US embassies in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam in 1998.



Syrian Factions Appoint Ahmad Al-Sharaa as Transitional Leader

A handout picture released by the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) on January 29, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa giving a speech in Damascus. (Photo by SANA / AFP)
A handout picture released by the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) on January 29, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa giving a speech in Damascus. (Photo by SANA / AFP)
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Syrian Factions Appoint Ahmad Al-Sharaa as Transitional Leader

A handout picture released by the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) on January 29, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa giving a speech in Damascus. (Photo by SANA / AFP)
A handout picture released by the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) on January 29, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa giving a speech in Damascus. (Photo by SANA / AFP)

The new Syrian administration announced on Wednesday the appointment of Ahmad Al-Sharaa as interim president, following the overthrow of former president Bashar Al-Assad more than a month ago.

Al-Sharaa has been entrusted with forming a legislative council to oversee the transition after the dissolution of the People’s Assembly and the suspension of the 2012 Constitution.

According to the official Syrian news agency (SANA), military administration spokesperson Colonel Hassan Abdul Ghani stated that Al-Sharaa would assume the functions of the presidency of the Syrian Arab Republic and represent it in international forums.

He added that Al-Sharaa had been authorized to form a temporary legislative council that would remain in place until a permanent constitution is drafted and enacted, with all exceptional laws suspended.

The announcement did not specify the duration of the transitional period or provide details on the national dialogue conference, which the new administration had previously pledged to organize. However, the administration introduced significant political and security reforms, including the dissolution of all security agencies affiliated with the former Assad regime and the establishment of a new security institution.

The Baath Party and all other National Progressive Front parties were also disbanded, along with their affiliated organizations and committees. A ban was imposed on reestablishing these parties under any new name, and their assets were transferred to the state. Additionally, all military factions, revolutionary political bodies, and civil organizations were merged into state institutions.

Speaking at the Syrian Revolution Victory Conference, Al-Sharaa outlined his priorities, emphasizing the need to fill the power vacuum, maintain civil peace, build state institutions, revive the economy, and restore Syria’s regional and international standing.

He described Damascus as a wounded and humiliated mother, bleeding yet defiant, calling on her people to save their nation. He stressed that while liberation was a crucial step, the true challenge now lay in rebuilding and advancing Syria.

Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani underscored the administration’s commitment to establishing a Syria founded on freedom, justice, and national dignity, where all citizens feel a deep sense of belonging and sacrifice for their homeland.

He emphasized that the new leadership was focused on reassuring the international community and clearly presenting Syria’s vision for the future. Strengthening ties with Arab nations and enhancing regional cooperation were also key priorities, alongside efforts to contribute to peace in a region weighed down by decades of conflict.

Al-Shibani further announced that the administration had successfully negotiated exceptions and suspensions to US and EU sanctions, a move expected to accelerate Syria’s economic recovery and attract international support.