Brussels, 09/02/2011 (Agence Europe) - After congratulating the parties on the successful and peaceful referendum process in Southern Sudan, the EU, along with the other “witnesses to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005” signed a joint statement, on Wednesday 9 February, welcoming the announcement of the final results of this historic event and calling for the success of the crucial post-referendum phase. “We congratulate the parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission on a successful referendum process, and we welcome the acceptance of the result by the Government of Sudan”, state the signatories, calling on them to “redouble their efforts to reach agreement on the outstanding CPA and post-referendum issues, with the facilitation of the AU High-Level Implementation Panel”.
“The status of Abyei must be resolved in a way that respects the rights and interests of affected populations. Popular consultations in Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan states should also be conducted in a timely and inclusive manner. The demarcation of the common border and the status of disputed areas should be settled. Finally, we urge the parties to continue to work together in the remaining months of the CPA to put in place arrangements on security, citizenship, international treaties, economics, a soft border and natural resources which provide the basis for two stable, secure, and economically prosperous states living in peace with one another and their neighbours.”
The signatories to the joint statement emphasise their commitment to the “establishment of long term peace, security and prosperity for all of the peoples of Sudan” and underline their “willingness to continue to provide international support to this end”. (A.N./transl.rt)