---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: John Ashworth <[email protected]> Date: Sun, Jul 10, 2011 at 6:50 PM Subject: [sudan-john-ashworth] Fw: Independence Day 3 To: Group <[email protected]>
1. South Sudan: World leaders welcome new nation BBC 9 July 2011 Last updated at 16:31 ET Leaders across the globe have been sending their congratulations to South Sudan on the day it became the world's newest nation. Statements recognising South Sudan's nationhood flowed from the US, UK, Russia and others as tens of thousands watched an independence and flag-raising ceremony in the capital, Juba. Salva Kiir took the oath as president. Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir attended and called on the US to end sanctions against his country. US President Barack Obama said in a statement he was "proud to declare that the United States formally recognises the Republic of South Sudan as a sovereign and independent state upon this day, July 9 2011". He said: "A proud flag flies over Juba and the map of the world has been redrawn. These symbols speak to the blood that has been spilled, the tears that have been shed, the ballots that have been cast, and the hopes that have been realised by so many millions of people." But he did not mention the long-standing sanctions against Khartoum. Washington still lists Sudan as a state sponsor of terrorism. In his speech to the independence ceremony, Mr Bashir said: "We congratulate our brothers in the south for the establishment of their new state. We share their joy and celebration. The will of the people of the south has to be respected." He added: "We call on US President Barack Obama to deliver on his commitment he announced to lift the unilateral sanctions on Sudan to open to way to normalise his country's relations with Sudan." Mr Obama indicated more work needed to be done, particularly in the disputed border regions of Abyei and Southern Kordofan. UK Prime Minister David Cameron issued a statement recognising South Sudan, saying: "This is an historic day, for South Sudan and the whole of Africa." Russian President Dmitry Medvedev sent a telegram of congratulation and China's special envoy sent President Hu Jintao's "warmest congratulations". South African President Jacob Zuma said: "We have always aspired to witness the dawn of peace, security and stability prevailing in the whole of the Sudan. That dream is coming to fruition." 'Hearts and minds' The BBC's Will Ross watched the independence ceremony in Juba, saying the euphoria built as people waved goodbye to the north of Sudan and the flag of South Sudan was raised. Wearing his trademark black cowboy hat, the South's new President Salva Kiir was sworn in and pledged better times ahead. He told guests including UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, US ambassador to the UN Susan Rice and EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton: "Our martyrs did not die in vain... We have waited for more than 56 years for this day. It is a day that will be forever engraved on our hearts and minds." The world's newest nation was born at midnight local South Sudanese time (2100 GMT Friday), the climax of a process made possible by the 2005 peace deal that ended a long civil war. The South's independence follows decades of conflict with the north in which some 1.5 million people died. Saturday's independence ceremony was held at the mausoleum of the late rebel leader John Garang, who died just months after signing the peace deal with Mr Bashir that ended Africa's longest-running conflict. Meanwhile, in Khartoum, for most people it has been a low-key day, the BBC James Copnall reports from the northern capital. However, scores of men gathered near the Blue Nile holding giant Sudanese flags and shouting: "Allahu Akbar [God is great]." Under the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, a referendum was held on independence, which was approved by more than 99% of voters. South Sudan is rich in oil, but is one of the least developed countries in the world, where one in seven children dies before the age of five. Correspondents say keeping both the north and the south stable long after the celebratory parties have ended will be a challenge. Fears of a new war resurfaced after recent fighting in Abyei and South Kordofan, where some 170,000 people have been forced from their homes. Separate deals - and the withdrawal of rival forces from the border - have calmed tensions. But the two sides must still decide on issues such as drawing up the new border and how to divide Sudan's debts and oil wealth. Citizenship is also a key sticking point. A new law passed by the National Assembly in Khartoum has withdrawn Sudanese citizenship from all southerners. At the scene Peter Martell BBC News, Juba A sea of people filled Freedom Square in Juba, next to the mausoleum of the late John Garang, the rebel leader who led the South Sudanese during the civil war. They waved flags and screamed in happiness as South Sudan officially became with world's newest nation. The wild crowds surged forward, dancing for hours in the baking sun. Several people fainted in the heat but the mood was ecstatic. When the giant flag of South Sudan rose on the 30m flagpole, men cried, women ululated and thousands waved flags in a blur of colour. A host of world leaders spoke on the podium, but the real party was at the back of the site where thousands danced to traditional drum beats. Facts and figures: * Population: 7.5-9.7 million * Size: 619,745 sq km (239,285 sq miles), larger than Spain and Portugal combined * Major languages: English, Arabic (both official), Juba Arabic, Dinka * Religion: Traditional and a Christian minority * Main export: Oil Challenges ahead: * One of world's least developed countries: Worst maternal mortality rate; most children below 13 not in school; 84% of women are illiterate * Relations with Sudan: Dividing debts and oil; border disputes; citizenship * Security: At least seven active rebel groups http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14095681 END1 2. Vatican spokesman recalls John Paul II's message to South Sudanese Vatican City, Jul 9, 2011 / 03:04 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- On the day the Republic of South Sudan becomes the world's newest country, Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi, S.J., recalled Pope John Paul II's historic visit to the troubled nation nearly 18 years ago. "It was February 10, 1993, and John Paul II was at the end of an intense and extraordinary day in Khartoum," Fr. Lombardi said in his weekly editorial as General Manager of Vatican Radio July 9. "With his usual and extraordinary courage, he addressed the dramatic themes of justice and freedom in the presence of the governing authorities and was greeted with incredible enthusiasm by an immense crowd of Sudanese Catholics, for the most part displaced people from the south, fleeing from the violence of a civil war without end." The civil war that gripped Sudan was fought over two decades between a Muslim Arab-dominated north and a mainly Christian and animist south. It was a conflict that cost over two million lives, mainly civilians. Fr. Lombardi's editorial quoted the words Pope John Paul II spoke that night in Sudan's capital city of Khartoum in 1993. "The immense suffering of millions of innocent victims impels me to voice my solidarity with the weak and defenseless," said Pope John Paul, "who cry out to God for help, for justice, for respect for their God-given dignity as human beings, for their basic human rights, for the freedom to believe and practice their faith without fear or discrimination. I earnestly hope that my voice will reach you, Brothers and Sisters of the South." South Sudan's independence is the end result of a 2005 peace agreement that began a partitioning of Sudan into two states. The split was finally ratified earlier this year in a referendum that saw over 98 percent of southern Sudanese vote for secession. Attendees at today's independence celebrations in South Sudan's capital of Juba include dignitaries from around the globe, including a papal delegation sent by Pope Benedict XVI. The head of that delegation is Cardinal John Njue of Nairobi, Kenya. Fr. Lombardi sees today's events as a fulfillment of a hope expressed by Pope John Paul II in February 1993 when he prayed that "the Sudanese, with the freedom to choose, will succeed in finding a constitutional formula which will make it possible to overcome contradictions and struggles, with proper respect paid to the specific characteristics of each community." Fr. Lombardi concludes his editorial by expressing hope that the people of South Sudan can "build a future of freedom and peace" despite being "one of the poorest countries in the world" which faces "very difficult problems for its internal unity." "The mysterious and extraordinary vitality of the people of Sudan - which exploded that night in Khartoum before John Paul II - has not yet been exhausted, but in order to flourish, it is in need of concrete and strong international and ecclesial solidarity. We cannot let them down." END2 3. Salva Kiir takes oath, grants amnesty to rebels July 9, 2011 (JUBA) - Salva Kiir was officially been sworn-in on Saturday as the first president of the newly-created Republic of South Sudan, moments after he signed the country’s controversial transitional constitution, watched by tens of thousands of celebrating Southern Sudanese. Clad in his trademark hat Kiir repeated his offer of an amnesty to the six South Sudanese rebel groups destabilising the new nation. He urged them to join hands in the struggle to move forward the new nation. “I want to offer public amnesty to all those who took arms against the people of South Sudan. Let them lay down these arms and help us in building this new nation,” Kiir said. After various last years elections various aggrieved groups took up arms against the Juba government. This year a senior member of the southern army defected sighting tribalism and corruption. Kiir downplayed the possibility that internal conflicts would tear apart the new nation, describing it was a wish for “detractors of peace, security and political stability”. During his address, president Kiir appealed to citizens of the new republic to focus on unity based on cultural and ethnic diversity, which he said was a source of pride for South Sudan. “You may be a Zande, Kakwa, Lutugo, Nuer, Dinka or Shiluk, but first remember yourself as a South Sudanese. There will be equal access to existing opportunities for all,” said the leader of the new Republic. South Sudan’s president reiterated that his government would remain committed in the fight against corruption and all forms of graft. "Transparency and accountability," he said, shall form the basic foundation of the new leadership. According to Kiir, effective service delivery in the public interest will be an obligation to all civil servants and that those who are hesitant to comply will cease to be part of the new government. “In order to move this country forward, sacrifices have to be made in public service. Those who are not ready to make this kind of sacrifice will not be part of the new government,” the president said, amidst cheers. The new republic, he emphasised, will closely work with development partners and the international community in efforts to steer the country’s progress. South Sudan he added, will abide by the international covenants as it prepares to be part of their membership. The president further pledged to play an instrumental role in resolving the outstanding issues of Sudan’s 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), citing the Abyei referendum as well as popular consultations in South Kordofan and Blue Nile. He further called for a just and lasting solution to the conflicts in Sudan’s troubled western region of Darfur, oil-producing region of Abyei and southern Kordofan. "I want to assure the people of Abyei, Darfur, Blue Nile and South Kordofan that we have not forgotten you. When you cry, we cry. When you bleed, we bleed. I pledge to you today that we will find a just peace for all," he said. In his speech, Kiir paid tribute to fallen heroes and heroines of the new nation, saying their tireless efforts, which eventually led to the independence, were not in vain. Reciting a proverb, Kirr said, “The night may be too long, but the day will surely come”. DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE Moments before the president’s speech, James Wani Igga, the speaker of South Sudan’s Parliament had officially declared the independence of the south, according to a resolution reportedly made by the South Sudan’s Legislative Assembly on July, 07, 2011. The occasion, which was immediately followed by the signing of the transitional constitution by the president, later climaxed with the raising of the country’s flag as the old one was lowered. LOW POINTS Part of the pavilion meant for the guest remained incomplete and at one moment, Pagan Amum, the Secretary General of the south’s ruling party had to request legislators and South Sudanese citizens to vacate their seats in order to accommodate guests. Also, shortly before Sudan president, Omar Hassan Al-Bashir took to the podium, the public address system went off air, raising speculation of foul play by some southern officials. (ST) END3 4. Sudan’s Bashir inaugurates North’s embassy in South, calls on US to lift sanctions July 9, 2011 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese president Omer Hassan al-Bashir today inaugurated the first embassy for the North in Southern Sudan as the latter joined the international community as the world’s newest nation. In an address at the South’s independence ceremony in Juba, Bashir called for coming up with creative political thinking to resolve the outstanding issues that are part of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). The Sudanese leader noted the importance of reaching arrangements that considers the joint border strip between the North and South. He also hailed the recent accord signed in Addis Ababa between his National Congress Party (NCP) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) saying it enforced security for citizens on either side. Bashir also commended the work of the African Union (AU) panel headed by former South African leader Thabo Mbeki who is mediating between the North and South. However, the Sudanese president affirmed his government’s rejection for the extension of the mandate of United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) despite pressure from Washington on Khartoum to allow its presence in several flashpoints including Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile. “UNMIS mission is over and we thank them for what they have done,” he said. South Sudan Vice President Riek Machar speaking at the event described Bashir as “brave man of peace”. But Bashir also expressed regret over failure of the North’s strategy to make the South opt for unity as part of his vision for a united Africa. He stressed however, that he respects the choice made by Southern citizens at the referendum held last January which resulted in a near unanimous vote in favor of secession. “In the name of all the people of Sudan I tell the people of Southern Sudan that we will be your support to bypass the bitterness of the past and our hope is that with your resources that you can move ahead and we are confident that you are aware of the challenges and able to overcome them” Bashir said. He urged the US administration and international donors to fulfill their pledges by lifting sanctions and providing money for development projects for infrastructure. The NCP in a separate statement said that July 9 will be a date remembered by the North and South as they establish new dreams for building their states on the basis of humanitarian links. It further emphasised that the party has been committed to the full implementation of the peace accord based on its long-standing conviction that peace is the ultimate goal that deserves any price paid for it. (ST) END4 5. FACTBOX: South Sudan receives international recognition July 9, 2011 (KHARTOUM) – The new state of South Sudan has today received quick recognition from many regional and international state including the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). United States: The White House issued a statement on behalf of President Barack Obama welcoming “the birth of a new nation”. Britain: Prime Minister David Cameron said that the United Kingdom is among the first to recognise South Sudanese independence. France: The French presidency said in a statement that Paris “recognizes and welcomes South Sudan to the community of nations," adding that Nicolas Sarkozy has proposed to South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir "that the two countries establish diplomatic relations and exchange ambassadors”. Russia: President Dmitry Medvedev said in a letter to South Sudanese President Salva Kiir that Russia would recognise the new African country. "I am confident that the policy of South Sudan’s leadership of establishing and developing friendly relations with the Republic of Sudan and other African states will contribute to maintaining and consolidating peace in Central and East Africa". China: Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi also announced that China has recognised South Sudan. "The Government of the People’s Republic of China announces its recognition of South Sudan, and from now on with the establishment of diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level. China is ready on the basis of peaceful coexistence, with the development of friendly relations and cooperation in all areas of South Sudan". India: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh sent a letter to President Kiir. "On behalf of the people and Government of India, I convey my warmest felicitations and greetings to the people and Government of Southern Sudan on this momentous and happy occasion”. Canada: Foreign Minister John Baird said it welcomes South Sudan into the community of nations as an independent state. "After decades of conflict and underdevelopment, this historic occasion represents an important opportunity for the people of South Sudan to build a brighter, better future for themselves”. Brazil: In a joint communiqué with the Government of South Sudan (GoSS) the Brazilian government said it decided to establish diplomatic ties between the two nations. Germany: A letter sent to president Kiir. Germany said it will establish diplomatic relation effective today. Australia: The Australian government said in a statement that it has formally recognized the Republic of South Sudan as an independent state. Italy: The government said it recognises the birth of the new independent state of Southern Sudan and congratulated his people. Turkey: The Turkish Development Minister Cevdet Yilmaz said: "I have handed a letter on Turkey’s recognition of South Sudan from our President [Abdullah Gul] to South Sudanese authorities." Egypt: Foreign Minister Mohammed el-Orabi said that Egypt recognises the new state. Jordan: “The kingdom has decided to recognize the Republic of South Sudan and establish diplomatic ties with it,” the Jordanian council of ministers said in a statement after a meeting. (ST) END5 6. South Sudan's Juba dancing -- Khartoum sad and defiant Sat Jul 9, 2011 4:54pm GMT * Southerners dance all night to welcome new nation * In north, sadness and defiance as south goes own way By Ulf Laessing and Jeremy Clarke KHARTOUM/JUBA, July 9 (Reuters) - For thousands of southern Sudanese it was a night to stay out dancing to welcome the birth of their new nation. For people in the northern capital Khartoum it was a time of sadness mixed with defiance. South Sudan, where most follow Christian and traditional beliefs, became independent on Saturday after a January referendum agreed under a 2005 peace deal that ended decades of civil war with the Arab Muslim north. While the south rejoiced at finally getting its freedom from the dominant north, for people in Khartoum the secession brought not only the loss of a third of the territory and much of the country's oil resources but also a profound feeling of sadness. "I am happy for their independence, and I believe that it will benefit them, and their future," street artist Yaser Idriss said, sitting by a road near the Nile in the northern capital. "At the same time however, I am sad at the fact that I feel like a part of me has been severed, contrary to my convictions," he said. Fellow artist Mohammed Maheyeddin agreed, wondering: "Are we going to be artistically split as well? Am I now able to draw a southern woman or not? Is she still a symbol of my heritage or not?" "Today I drew a drawing I named 'Separation' which depicts a southern woman walking off into the distance, leaving behind all of her memories," he said. DEFIANT MOOD -- JOY IN JUBA Others in Khartoum were defiant, insisting the north -- where 80 percent of the 40 million Sudanese live -- was a better place without the south with which it fought for too long. "It's the best solution for all that they became independent. We are too different, we have a different religion, a different culture," said Saleh Ahmed Ali, a high school teacher. "We dont want war," he said, while behind him a dozen of northerners danced at a party organised by a Khartoum pro-secession group called "Just Peace Movement" to celebrate what they called the "real independence" of the north. "Sudan's unity was a mistake as history has proven. Now we can go our own way and don't need to listen to the needs of the south," said El-Tayyib Mustafa, the group's head. "The south, for example, did not want to call Khartoum an Arab capital. We are now free and don't need to heed their calls and wishes," he said. With the call for midday prayer the dancing and music are suddenly interrupted as the group all disappear into a nearby mosque. Other northerners admitted that the northern economy might be heading for tougher times after the loss of 75 percent of the national oil production now located in south Sudan. "We are one country, this is wrong," said a man called Bedri who sought respite from the heat under the shade of a large tree. In contrast, in the southern capital Juba tens of thousands stayed up all night to celebrate the birth of their new republic. In the morning they queued to find a place to attend the formal independence declaration attended by African leaders, among them northern President Omar Hassan al-Bashir. "A very great day in our lives. Everything is new today," said Jennifer Achiro, who stood for 10 hours in the blistering sun to watch the ceremony. "Sudan will never be the same again. You can see this by the big attendance of this event," said Chan Lok. Others danced near a statue of the late civil war hero John Garang that was unveiled by southern president Salva Kiir, cheering as helicopters flew overheard. "I'm very happy, extremely happy," said 25-year old Michael, for the moment forgetting the factional infighting, grinding poverty and lack of basic facilities that threaten the brave new dawn. (Editing by Giles Elgood) http://af.reuters.com/article/sudanNews/idAFLAE95131720110709?sp=true END6 ______________________ John Ashworth Sudan Advisor [email protected] +254 725 926 297 (Kenya mobile) +249 919 695 362 (Sudan mobile) +27 82 853 3556 (South Africa mobile) +44 750 304 1790 (UK/international) +88 216 4334 0735 (Thuraya satphone) PO Box 52002 - 00200, Nairobi, Kenya This is a personal e-mail address and the contents do not necessarily reflect the views of any organisation -- The content of this message does not necessarily reflect John Ashworth's views. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, John Ashworth is not the author of the content and the source is always cited. You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "sudan-john-ashworth" group. 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