Secretary-General Welcomes Referendum Results in Southern Sudan as Great

 

Achievement for Sudanese, Urges Accord on Post-Referendum Arrangements

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General today welcomed the announcement of the final results of the referendum on the right of self-determination of the people of Southern Sudan.  The results, which showed that 98.83 per cent of all voters chose independence, are reflective of the will of the people of Southern Sudan.

The peaceful and credible conduct of the referendum is a great achievement for all Sudanese.  The Secretary-General commends the Comprehensive Peace Agreement partners, the Government of Sudan led by President Omar Hassan al‑Bashir, and the Government of Southern Sudan led by President Salva Kiir Mayardit, for keeping their commitment to maintain peace and stability throughout this crucial period.  The Secretary-General urges the Comprehensive Peace Agreement partners, the Government of Sudan and the Government of Southern Sudan to build on the momentum generated by the successful conduct of the referendum to reach an agreement on post-referendum arrangements, including Abyei, expeditiously and in the same spirit of cooperation.

The Secretary-General calls upon the international community to assist all Sudanese towards greater stability and development, reiterates the commitment of the United Nations towards this end and assures continued United Nations assistance and support to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement partners.

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For information media • not an official record