Brussels, 10/01/2011 (Agence Europe) - The referendum on the independence of Southern Sudan began on Sunday under the watchful gaze of the election observation mission, headed by Véronique De Keyser MEP (EUROPE 10289). The EU has high expectations with regard to the full implementation of the global peace agreement concluded in 2005 and for lasting stability in the biggest country in Africa, which has only just left the throes of 22 years of civil war.
Jerzy Buzek, the president of the European Parliament, said that holding a referendum was “already a success” and that “regardless of the referendum outcome, Sudanese people in the north and in the south will still remain neighbours and they will not be able to do one without the other: there will still be a great degree of interdependence”. According to all forecasts, this referendum is likely to lead to the independence of South Sudan. In a declaration published on Sunday, 9 January, Buzek stated that “the referendum should not be seen as a way of severing ties, but rather as a way of strengthening mutual respect and responsibility”. The president of the European Parliament also asserted: “I hope that the referendum will not be marred by violence or incidents as the people of South Sudan need to be able to choose their own destiny freely and without fears”.
Catherine Ashton, the EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, agreed. On Saturday, on the eve of this event, she underlined the fact that “the holding of Southern Sudan's referendum on self-determination is of utmost importance for durable peace in Sudan. I commend the parties to the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement for respecting their commitment to organise the referendum”. In an official declaration, Baroness Ashton spoke of the “historic milestone in the implementation of the CPA... I call upon all stakeholders to ensure that the referendum takes place in a peaceful and credible manner”.
Ashton again repeated that the EU intended to continue to support stability and its sustainable development throughout Sudan. (A.N./transl.fl)