US plots South Sudan sanctions relief

US government officials are drawing up guidelines that will allow the country’s oil companies to operate in South Sudan, without breaching sanctions imposed against its northern neighbour

It is understood the Treasury Department is preparing to issue licences for operations in South Sudan, although it is uncertain how long it would take for such licences to be issued. The US’ special representative to Sudan, Princeton Lyman, told a trade briefing in Washington that sanctions could not be lifted, a move that would require congressional approval. But he said the Treasury Department would define new criteria for licensing oil deals that would provide only incidental benefits to Sudan, making some deals with South Sudan possible. “The rules of the game are still being worked out and that is very frustrating to [South Sudan] because it wants US oil companies there,” he said. "Ther