(NEWS) Israel Blamed For American Policy In Sudan

"A senior Sudanese official has laid the blame for problems in his country at the feet of the 'pro-Israel lobby.' Supporters of the Jewish state are to blame for United States President Barack Obama's about-face regarding independence for southern Sudan, said Sudanese Vice President Ali Osman Taha.

Obama has moved from supporting Sudanese unity to backing a referendum that may see the southern part of the country decide to seek independence.

On Thursday, Obama said the referendum 'is one of our highest priorities.' He warned that millions of people could die if war were to break out in Sudan again. Two million people were killed in previous battles between the northern and southern parts of the country."

(NEWS) South Sudan State Prepared To Establish Relations With Israel

"A new state in South Sudan would establish relations with Israel should the Jewish state recognize its independence, a senior official in the semi-autonomous region said.

In three months’ time, the people of South will decide on whether they wish declare independence from the North or stay part of united Sudan. Most observers expect an overwhelming vote in favor of secession.



Southern Sudan Information Minister Barnaba Marial Benjamin told the Dubai based Al-Khaleej newspaper that the new state 'is capable of establishing with all world countries' in response to question about future links with Israel.

'The independent South will establish relations with all world countries and will not antagonize anyone.....Any state that recognize us we will have relations with. Just like there are diplomatic relations to some Arab states with Israel then why not us?' Benjamin added.

Sudan has no diplomatic relations with Israel and remains hostile to the Jewish state on the grounds that it is occupying Arab lands.

Israel is the house for several hundreds Sudanese refugees who fled through the Egyptian borders." (source)

(NEWS) Sudan Plans Nuclear Program

"Reactor is for 'peaceful purposes'; IAEA travels to Khartoum.

Sudan plans to build a nuclear reactor for peaceful purposes by 2020, the SUNA state news agency reported Sunday.

Sudan has noted economic and political ties with Iran, which has been facing increasing sanctions and international pressure over its nuclear program."

(NEWS) US Holocaust Museum Praises Sudanese Genocide Charges

"The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum praised the International Criminal Court for including genocide charges against Sudan's president."

(NEWS) Sudan President Charged With Genocide

"Al-Bashir refuses to recognize court's authority or stand trial.

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The International Criminal Court on Monday charged Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir with three counts of genocide in Darfur, a move that will pile further diplomatic pressure on his isolated regime.

The decision marked the first time the world's first permanent war crimes tribunal has issued genocide charges."