Brussels, 08/02/2011 (Agence Europe) - The EU welcomes and fully respects the final outcome of the referendum on self-determination for Southern Sudan, which resulted in a 98.83% majority in favour of independence for the South (see EUROPE 10305). It also assures the people of Sudan of its support in the transition towards two viable, stable and prosperous states.
“This is a historic moment for Sudan. The European Union (EU) commends the people of Southern Sudan and the Sudanese parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) on the peaceful and credible conduct of the referendum”, said EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Defence Policy Catherine Ashton in a statement published on Monday 7 February. She went on: “An overwhelming majority of registered voters participated and resoundingly expressed their determination to establish an independent state. The EU fully respects the outcome of the referendum as a true reflection of the democratically expressed wishes of the people of Southern Sudan” and welcomes the commitment of the government of Sudan to respect the outcome.
Ashton repeated that “in the coming months, the EU will continue to support the efforts of the parties to reach agreement on all outstanding CPA issues and the key post-referendum arrangements that will sustain the North-South relationship in the long term”.
Similarly, she reiterated that “the EU remains committed to engage both North and South Sudan in the promotion of democratic governance, respect for human rights and a peaceful and prosperous future for all Sudanese people”. Thus, “the EU will step up its dialogue with both North and South and is ready to play its part in underpinning the development of two viable states”.
In a press release published on Tuesday 8 February, the French Socialist Party immediately welcomed “the birth of this new sovereign independent state which meets the long-standing legitimate demands of the people of Southern Sudan and brings a peaceful end to a civil war that has lasted several decades”. The Socialist Party called for everyone to work with the governments of Sudan and Southern Sudan to ensure the transition period would be successful and expressed the hope that relations of friendship and cooperation would be forged between the North and South Sudanese governments. (A.N./transl.rt)