U.S. House Passes Sanctions Against Sudan for War Crimes

On October 7, 2002, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Sudan Peace Act by a 359-8 vote, which imposes sanctions against the Sudan Government unless progress toward peace is achieved soon and incidents of war crimes cease. Sponsored by conservative Congressman Tom Tancredo (Rep.- Colo.), the bill demands that the U.S. Government oppose international loans to the Government of Sudan, take measures to cut its access to oil revenues, and seek a U.N. arms embargo to compel it ?to enter into a good faith peace process.? The House of Representatives approved the measure during reports of new fighting and as the Sudanese army promised to recapture the towns of Torit and Hamashkurb that rebels had captured in Sudan?s south and east. On October 5, 2002, the Sudan Government announced it was ready to resume peace talks once both the Sudan Government and the rebels sign a document providing for the cessation of hostilities. The bill now goes to the Senate, where it is not expected to have much opposition.