The United States Tuesday imposed new sanctions against Sudan, alleging the Sudanese government is fomenting violence and human rights abuses in Darfur.
The Treasury Department said it had blocked the assets of three Sudanese, 30 Sudanese government owned or controlled companies, and a company that violated the arms embargo in Darfur.
"These orders permit the imposition of economic sanctions on the Sudanese government for its continued support for international terrorism, ongoing efforts to destabilize neighboring governments, and human rights violations -- in particular with respect to the conflict in Darfur," the Treasury Department said.
The United States first imposed sanctions on the Sudanese government of President Omar al-Beshir in 1997.
Among the companies targeted with sanctions Tuesday were GIAD Industrial City, a supplier of armored vehicles to the Sudanese government for military operations in Darfur, and Sudatel, the national telecommunications company, the department said.
Five firms in the petrochemical sector were designated: Advanced Petroleum Company, RAM Energy Company, Bashaier, Hi-Tech Petroleum Group and Hi-Tech Chemicals.
The company targeted for violating the arms embargo in Darfur was Azza Air Transport Company.
"These companies have supplied cash to the Beshir regime, enabling it to purchase arms and further fuel the fighting in Darfur," said Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson.
"By denying these companies access to the US and international financial system, we will make it harder for the government of Sudan to pursue its deadly agenda."
Under the Treasurys order, the assets owned by these individuals and entities that are within US jurisdiction must be frozen, and US citizens are prohibited from doing business with them.
