Brussels, 09/07/2012 (Agence Europe) - It is one year to the day since South Sudan became independent and to mark this first anniversary, the EU, on Monday 9, July reaffirmed its commitment to continued cooperation to help the people of South Sudan to achieve the prosperity and security, which have been compromised by tension with its neighbour, Sudan. This renewed support comes together with an appeal to the two countries to resolve all outstanding post-secession issues between themselves.
Speaking on behalf of the EU, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton said: “On this day last year, I was in Juba to join with the people of South Sudan to celebrate the independence of their country and to welcome the world's newest state into the community of nations. Today, it is my pleasure to congratulate South Sudan on the first anniversary of its independence. Lasting peace and development in South Sudan will only be possible once South Sudan and Sudan live side by side as good neighbours respecting each other's sovereignty. The EU appeals to both countries to reach agreement on all outstanding post-secession issues through implementing the African Union roadmap and UNSC resolution 2046 without delay or condition and within the given timeframe”.
European Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs stressed that South Sudan can count on €300 million from the EU (€200 million committed in May 2011 to support the lasting and peaceful creation of the future state, and €80 million pledged in December of last year at the conference of the donors in Washington). “These allocations (…) prove the EU's long-term commitment to South Sudan's development” and the country's “recent accession to the Cotonou Agreement has opened prospects for an even closer partnership between the EU and South Sudan”, he said. South Sudan is the 80th ACP country. (AN/transl.fl)