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January 18, 2011

South Sudan Referendum Expected to Back Independence 
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Election monitors in Sudan are predicting residents of Southern Sudan
have overwhelmingly voted to break off from the north in a week-long
referendum. The chair of the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission,
Mohamed Ibrahim Khalil, praised the vote.

Mohamed Ibrahim Khalil: "It was a very orderly process, very peaceful,
very civilized. As a matter of fact, as a matter of fact, I've watched a
number of elections in this country, and I think this has been the most
peaceful, the most orderly and the quietest. And I think it is really a
great achievement."

If approved, Southern Sudan's succession from Sudan would take effect in
July.



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