International community welcomes South Sudan as 193rd country

[News_Editor]

International community welcomes South Sudan as 193rd country

2011-07-10 05:41:36 GMT+7 (ICT)

JUBA (BNO NEWS) -- The international community on Saturday welcomed South Sudan as the world's 193rd country after it broke away from Sudan. The country is also expected to soon receive a United Nations membership.

The breakaway came after Southern Sudanese voted in January in favor of secession from the rest of the African nation. The region's independence was approved by 98.83 percent of the voters and became official on Saturday. Sudan has accepted the secession.

In the United States, President Barack Obama said he was 'proud to declare' that the United States has formally recognized South Sudan as a sovereign and independent state. "After so much struggle by the people of South Sudan, the United States of America welcomes the birth of a new nation," the U.S. president said.

"Today is a reminder that after the darkness of war, the light of a new dawn is possible," Obama added. "A proud flag flies over Juba and the map of the world has been redrawn. These symbols speak to the blood that has been spilled, the tears that have been shed, the ballots that have been cast, and the hopes that have been realized by so many millions of people. The eyes of the world are on the Republic of South Sudan. And we know that southern Sudanese have claimed their sovereignty, and shown that neither their dignity nor their dream of self-determination can be denied."

Obama also said that 'this historic achievement' is a tribute, above all, to generations of Southern Sudanese who struggled for independence. He referred to two civil wars which have left millions of people killed.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev also announced in a letter to South Sudanese President Salva Kiir that Russia would recognize the new African country. "I am confident that the policy of South Sudan's leadership of establishing and developing friendly relations with the Republic of Sudan and other African states will contribute to maintaining and consolidating peace in Central and East Africa," Medvedev said. "I hope that our partnership will become an important factor in promoting stability and security on the African continent."

In France, a statement from the presidential office said President Nicolas Sarkozy welcomed the independence of South Sudan. "France recognizes and welcomes South Sudan among the community of States. The President has proposed to President Salva Kiir that our two countries establish diplomatic relations and exchange ambassadors," the statement said.

Also recognizing South Sudan is the United Kingdom. "In Britain we are proud to be among the first nations in the world to recognise the new Republic of South Sudan," British Foreign Secretary William Hague said at an Independence Ceremony in Juba, South Sudan's capital. "The Government of the United Kingdom stands with the people of South Sudan as they seek a future of stability and prosperity; one we hope of lasting peace with their neighbours, full integration into the region, and strong cooperation with Britain and other nations represented here today. We look forward to South Sudan taking its place as a full member of the United Nations."

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi also announced the country has recognized South Sudan. "The Government of the People's Republic of China announces its recognition of South Sudan, and from now on with the establishment of diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level. China is ready on the basis of peaceful coexistence, with the development of friendly relations and cooperation in all areas of South Sudan," Yang said.

In Canada, Foreign Minister John Baird said it welcomes South Sudan into the community of nations as an independent state. "After decades of conflict and underdevelopment, this historic occasion represents an important opportunity for the people of South Sudan to build a brighter, better future for themselves," he said. "We encourage the leaders of South Sudan to do all they can to deliver on this promise."

In India, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh greeted South Sudan's independence through a letter sent to President Salva Kiir. "On behalf of the people and Government of India, I convey my warmest felicitations and greetings to the people and Government of Southern Sudan on this momentous and happy occasion," he said. "I take this opportunity to convey India's best wishes to Your Excellency and the people of Southern Sudan as you embark on a new journey of nation building and development and greater peace and prosperity in the region. We applaud your commitment to addressing all outstanding issues with North Sudan in an amicable and peaceful manner."

Additionally, European Union High Representative Catherine Ashton congratulated the people of South Sudan on behalf of EU member states. "On this historic day, the European Union and its 27 Member States welcome the Republic of South Sudan as a new independent state," Ashton said in Juba. "Creating a new state is never easy. The European Union itself includes a number of nations, some created by the separation of a single state into two, which only came into existence less than 20 years ago. We know this can be achieved peacefully, but we know it is a challenge."

Ashton said she also recognized that South Sudan will require international support to become a secure, peaceful and prosperous country. "We will be your partner in achieving this, not just now, but for the long term. This partnership will be focused on helping the people of South Sudan, through working together with their government," she added.

Pending discussions at the United Nations, South Sudan is also expected to receive a UN membership next week.

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