http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/south-sudan-leader-salva-kiir-urges-forgiveness-for-former-foes/story-e6frg6so-1225989800367
South Sudan leader Salva Kiir urges forgiveness for former foes From: AFP January 18, 2011 12:00AM SOUTH Sudan's President urged his people to forgive the Muslim north for a devastating 1983-2005 war. This comes as partial results trickling in on Sunday from a landmark vote showed a landslide for secession. In his first public pronouncement since the referendum wrapped up in the mainly Christian and animist region at the weekend, Salva Kiir joined thousands of faithful in giving thanks for the week-long independence vote and praying for their nation-in-waiting. Speaking from the pulpit of Saint Theresa Roman Catholic cathedral in the regional capital, Juba, Mr Kiir said: "For our deceased brothers and sisters, particularly those who have fallen during the time of struggle, may God bless them with eternal peace. "And may we, like Jesus Christ on the cross, forgive those who have forcefully caused their deaths." An estimated two million people died in the 22-year civil war, the latest round in five decades of conflict between the south and the mainly Arab north that has blighted Africa's largest nation. The week-long independence vote was the centrepiece of the 2005 peace agreement that ended the war. The southern leader sat smiling in a pew at the front holding a Bible as Archbishop Paulino Lukudu Loro blessed a mock ballot box at the altar. "We pray that the will of Sudan will come out," Archbishop Lukudu said. "For those doing the counting: don't mix, don't cheat, don't steal." A priest had earlier offered a "prayer of gratitude for the peaceful voting of the referendum". Loudspeaker trucks criss-crossed the dirt tracks of Juba urging south Sudanese to celebrate as partial results posted outside the city's larger polling stations showed a huge majority for independence. The final result of the referendum will not be announced until next month. But exultant policeman John Gadet proclaimed: "We have done it, we have won, we are free," as he read the results posted outside the polling station set up by the tomb of veteran rebel leader John Garang, who signed the 2005 agreement shortly before his death. The station's D section recorded 3066 votes for secession to just 25 for union with the north. At Juba University it was 2663 votes to 69. In Juba's Hay Malakal neighbourhood it was 1809 to 75. A UN panel set up to monitor the referendum urged "the people of Sudan to be patient and be aware that only the results announced by the referendum authorities are official". US President Barack Obama congratulated south Sudan for an "inspirational" referendum, but urged calm and restraint until the secession was worked out. AFP Related Coverage a.. Sudan split is 'virtually certain' Adelaide Now, 5 hours ago b.. Week-long voting closes for Sudan Adelaide Now, 1 day ago c.. Historic vote ends in south Sudan The Australian, 1 day ago d.. Sudanese clear 60pc hurdle in polling The Australian, 5 days ago e.. Ambush killings cloud south Sudan voting The Australian, 5 days ago [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Post message: [email protected] Subscribe : [email protected] Unsubscribe : [email protected] List owner : [email protected] Homepage : http://proletar.8m.com/Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/proletar/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/proletar/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: [email protected] [email protected] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [email protected] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
