United States welcome signing of southern Sudan constitution

Dec 8, 2005 (WASHINGTON) — The United States congratulated Salva Kiir and the people of Southern Sudan on the signing of the Southern Sudan constitution December 5.

In a statement issued December 7, deputy State Department spokesman Adam Ereli said the signing “is a step forward in Sudan’s political process and the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement,” which he said “remains the key to Sudan’s future.”

This is a step forward in Sudan’s political process and the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. The Comprehensive Peace Agreement remains the key to Sudan’s future. It provides the framework and basis for power sharing, wealth sharing, and regional security, all of which are applicable to every area and every citizen of Sudan.

The agreement, signed on January 9, provides the framework for power sharing, wealth sharing, and regional security applicable to every citizen of Sudan, he said, adding that marked progress toward peace and reconciliation has been shown since that signing.

However, the United States “remains concerned by the continued violence in Darfur,” the statement said, and is providing strong support for the African Union-mediated talks in Abuja, Nigeria, in order to achieve a settlement expeditiously.

(Washington file/ST)