Sudan appoints former spy chief as first envoy of the United States

Khartoum (AFP) – President Omar al-Bashir on Sunday designated the former chief of Sudanese espionage as Khartoum's first envoy to Washington, the state-run news agency reported. in order to strengthen bilateral relations since 1965. who led the powerful National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), has been appointed as new Khartoum Affairs Officer in Washington, reported the official news agency SUNA.

"President Bashir urged me to work hard to improve relations Atta's appointment comes at a time when relations between Khartoum and Washington have entered a new phase after the lifting, the 39, last year, several decades of US sanctions on the United States Sudan

Although the sanctions were lifted, Washington kept the East African country on the list of "States". Sponsors of Terrorism "with North Korea, Iran and Syria.

US and Sudanes Officials are now engaged in discussions on how to remove Khartoum from the blacklist, and Atta should play a crucial role in these negotiations

On July 4, the American chargé d 'affaires in Khartoum, Steven Koutsis, promised to work "I promise you that this embbady will work with all its energy and attention to create the con for the withdrawal of Sudan from the list, "he said at a ceremony marking the July 4 celebration at the US mission in Khartoum.

Atta had previously gone to Washington while he was running the NISS and had been part of the Khartoum team that had negotiated the lifting of the trade embargo. Khartoum in 1997 on his alleged support for Islamist militants. Al Qaeda's founder, Osama bin Laden, lived in Sudan between 1992 and 1996.

In February, Bashir removed Atta from his position as NISS leader.