US Offers 'incentives' To Sudan

US President Barack Obama has offered the Sudan 'incentives' if it acts to improve the situation on the ground, unveiling a new policy on Khartoum.

But Mr Obama threatened 'increased pressure' if the Sudan failed to make progress towards achieving peace. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the US remained focused on reversing the 'ongoing dire human consequences of genocide' in the Darfur region.

The UN estimates that 300,000 people have died in Darfur since 2003. In a statement, Mr Obama said, 'If the Government of the Sudan acts to improve the situation on the ground and to advance peace, there will be incentives.

'If it does not, there will be increased pressures imposed by the United States and the international community.'

He said the world must act 'with a sense of urgency and purpose' on the Sudan.

'First, we must seek a definitive end to conflict, gross human rights abuses and genocide in Darfur. Second, the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the North and South in the Sudan must be implemented to create the possibility of long-term peace'.

Meanwhile, Mrs Clinton said Washington's engagement with the Sudan would also hinge on the provision of a safe haven for refugees.

The US has sanctions in place against Khartoum, and President Omar al-Bashir is wanted on an international arrest warrant for crimes against humanity in Darfur.

In his statement, Mr Obama said he would renew tough measures against Khartoum later this week. The Darfur conflict began in 2003, when rebel groups attacked Government targets, accusing Khartoum of oppressing black Africans in favour of Arabs.

Pro-government militiamen hit back with brutal force, which the US and some rights groups have labelled genocide.

Khartoum has denied supporting the militias, but the international court in The Hague issued an arrest warrant earlier this year for Mr Bashir, accusing him of war crimes.