9/7 Tass 126
WASHINGTON, July 9 (Itar-Tass) —— The United States has recognised the Republic of South Sudan and promised partnership in building a “new country”.
“I am proud to declare that the United States formally recognises the Republic of South Sudan as a sovereign and independent state upon this day, July 9, 2011. After so much struggle by the people of South Sudan, the United States of America welcomes the birth of a new nation,” U.S. President Barack Obama said on Saturday, July 9.
He stressed that the declaration of independence was “a reminder that after the darkness of war, the light of a new dawn is possible. 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,” he said.
According to Obama, this is a “historic achievement” and “a tribute, above all, to the generations of southern Sudanese who struggled for this day. It is also a tribute to the support that has been shown for Sudan and South Sudan by so many friends and partners around the world”.
“Sudan’s African neighbours and the African Union played an essential part in making this day a reality. And along with our many international and civil society partners, the United States has been proud to play a leadership role across two Administrations,” he said.
Obama made it clear that “support for South Sudan extends across different races, regions, and political persuasions in the United States.”
He expressed confidence that “the bonds of friendship between South Sudan and the United States will only deepen in the years to come”.
“As Southern Sudanese undertake the hard work of building their new country, the United States pledges our partnership as they seek the security, development and responsive governance that can fulfil their aspirations and respect their human rights,” the president said.
Since two new neighbours, South Sudan and Sudan, have emerged in the map of Africa, Obama believes that “both peoples must recognise that they will be more secure and prosperous if they move beyond a bitter past and resolve differences peacefully. Lasting peace will only be realised if all sides fulfil their responsibilities.”
“The Comprehensive Peace Agreement must be fully implemented, the status of Abyei must be resolved through negotiations, and violence and intimidation in Southern Kordofan, especially by the Government of Sudan, must end. The safety of all Sudanese, especially minorities, must be protected. Through courage and hard choices, this can be the beginning of a new chapter of greater peace and justice for all of the Sudanese people,” he said.
He urged the leaders and people of South Sudan “to turn this moment of promise into lasting progress” and pledged that “the United States will continue to support the aspirations of all Sudanese. Together, we can ensure that today marks another step forward in Africa’s long journey toward opportunity, democracy and justice”.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also sent a congratulatory message to the South Sudanese leadership on the occasion and stressed that “the realisation of this historic day is a testament to the tireless efforts of the people of South Sudan in their search for peace.”
She commended “South Sudan’s current leaders, including President Salva Kiir Mayardit, for helping guide Southern Sudan to this moment” and recognised “the determination and courage of the many southern Sudanese who never abandoned their hope that peace was possible and who stood in long lines on January 9 to cast their votes”.
“Independence presents a new beginning for the people of South Sudan; an opportunity to build a nation that embodies the values and aspirations of its people. The challenges are many, but the South Sudanese people have demonstrated their capacity to overcome great odds. The United States will remain a steadfast partner as South Sudan seeks to peacefully meet these challenges and build a free, democratic and inclusive society. The strong ties between our peoples go back many decades, and we are committed to continuing to build on the partnership we have already established in the years ahead,” Clinton said.
She believes that “this historic day not only offers opportunity for the people of South Sudan, but also for the people of Sudan and all of Africa”.
“We commend the Government of Sudan on its decision to be the first to recognise South Sudan’s independence. By continuing on the path of peace, the Government of Sudan can redefine its relationship with the international community and secure a more prosperous future for its people,” she said.
Clinton said the U.S. recognised “the important roles played by the United Nations, African Union, European Union, Arab League, Intergovernmental Authority on Development, and Sudan’s neighbours in supporting the CPA and its implementation, and we look forward to working with them and other international partners toward supporting Sudan and South Sudan as two viable states at peace with one another”.