KHARTOUM, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Sudan on Sunday expressed regret over criticism by the U.S. State Department of the "poor conditions of human rights and public freedom" in Sudan.

The U.S. failed to see the great development in improving the conditions of human rights and public freedom in Sudan, Sudan's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The ministry said Sudan enjoys press freedom with over 20 daily political newspapers that represent various parties, voice free and independent opinions, while operating under the framework of the constitution and the law.

On Friday, the U.S. State Department condemned Sudan's detention of a number of journalists while they were covering protests against price hike on Wednesday, describing the human rights conditions in Sudan as "poor."