Zuma welcomes South Sudan referendum

2011-02-09 21:14

Johannesburg - President Jacob Zuma has praised Sudan for delivering a peaceful and credible referendum, the department of international relations and co-operation said on Wednesday.

Zuma also praised the work of the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission and Bureau, the department said.

He had taken note of the results of the South Sudan Referendum presented to Sudan President al-Bashir on Monday by the chairperson of the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission (SSRC), Mohamed Ibrahim Khalil.

"The acceptance of the results by President al-Bashir demonstrates the strong political will for peace that exists among the leadership in the Sudan and sets the foundation for a harmonious co-existence between the people of North and South Sudan," the department said.

"South Africa stands ready to recognise and welcome the new state of South Sudan to the community of nations in July 2011 and will continue to strengthen its relations with the people of North [Sudan] and South Sudan."

Projects South Africa had launched in Sudan since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005 between the government of Sudan and Sudan People's Liberation Movement in 2005 would continue to be enhanced to support ongoing peace and good neighbourliness between north Sudan and south Sudan.

"President Jacob Zuma, on behalf of the government and the people of South Africa, congratulates the people of Sudan on this historic milestone and undertakes to march with them on their journey towards peace, harmony and development for the entire Sudan."

- SAPA