UN News: Susan Rice (United States) on Sudan and other matters, Posted by Menelik Zeleke

Informal comments to the media by H.E. Susan Rice, Permanent Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations on the situation in Sudan and other matters.

Obama Announces Plans to Recognize Southern Sudan

February 07, 2011

By Williams Ekanem

President Barack Obama has announced announce the intention of the United States to formally recognize Southern Sudan as a sovereign, independent state in July 2011.  

 In a statement from the White House in Washington D.C on the intent to recognize Southern Sudan as a country, the United States President congratulated the people of Southern Sudan for a successful and inspiring referendum in which an overwhelmingly majority of voters chose independence.  I am therefore pleased to

According to Obama, “after decades of conflict, the images of millions of southern Sudanese voters deciding their own future was an inspiration to the world and another step forward in Africa’s long journey toward justice and democracy.”

Obama added that “now, all parties have a responsibility to ensure that this historic moment of promise becomes a moment of lasting progress.  The Comprehensive Peace Agreement must be fully implemented and outstanding disputes must be resolved peacefully.  At the same time, there must be an end to attacks on civilians in Darfur and a definitive end to that conflict.”    

“As I pledged in September when addressing Sudanese leaders, the United States will continue to support the aspirations of all Sudanese—north and south, east and west.  We will work with the governments of Sudan and Southern Sudan to ensure a smooth and peaceful transition to independence.  For those who meet all of their obligations, there is a path to greater prosperity and normal relations with the United States, including examining Sudan’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism.  And while the road ahead will be difficult, those who seek a future of dignity and peace can be assured that they will have a steady partner and friend in the United States.  

Earlier in a statement, Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton also congratulated “ northern and southern leaders for facilitating a peaceful and orderly vote, and now tha+t the people of Southern Sudan have made this compelling statement, we commend the Government of Sudan for accepting its outcome.

“We look forward to working with southern leaders as they undertake the tremendous amount of work to prepare for independence in July and ensure the creation of two viable states living alongside each other in peace. The Government of Southern Sudan must launch a process of inclusive governance and take steps to improve good governance and service delivery, as well as to adopt long-term security and economic arrangements with the North, Clinton stated.

According to her, in line with the bilateral discussions held between the United States and the Government of Sudan, and in recognition of the success of the Southern Sudan referendum as a critical milestone of the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the United States is initiating the process of withdrawing Sudan’s State Sponsor of Terrorism designation, the first step of which is initiating a review of that designation.

 Removal of the State Sponsor of Terrorism designation, she insist,  will take place if and when Sudan meets all criteria spelled out in U.S. law, including not supporting international terrorism for the preceding six months and providing assurance it will not support such acts in the future, and fully implements the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, including reaching a political solution on Abyei and key post-referendum arrangements.

The Department of State therefore urge both northern and southern leaders to continue to work together toward full implementation of the CPA, and urge them to work expediently to reach agreement on the post-referendum arrangements that will define their future and lead to a mutually beneficial relationship.