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July 11, 2011

South Sudan Becomes World’s Newest Independent State, Tens of Thousands Rejoice 
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Tens of thousands of South Sudanese celebrated on Saturday as South
Sudan became the world's newest independent state. South Sudan won its
independence from Sudan in a January referendum — the climax of a 2005
peace deal that ended decades of fighting with the north. While North
Sudan was the first nation to recognize the new state, many issues
remain unresolved between the two nations including disputes over
borders and oil payments. Salva Kiir is South Sudan's first president.
He is the former military commander of the Sudan People's Liberation
Movement.

Salva Kiir, President of South Sudan: "A happy day like this should not
dwell on the bad memories, but it is important to recognize that for
many generations this land has seen untold suffering and death we have
been bombed maimed, enslaved and treated worse that an refugee in our
country but we have to forgive although we will not forget."

U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon traveled to South Sudan for the
country's independence ceremony.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon: "The challenges are enormous. The
security is still unstable. There is a huge lack of infrastructure.
There are huge socioeconomic problems and rule of law. You have to have
for all these things established as soon as possible. The United Nations
will mobilize all resources possible. Agencies are committed and stand
ready to work with the new Sudanese government leaders and people."



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