South Sudan should build strong relations with the North , Norwegian minister advises
By Julius N. Uma
January 31, 2011 (JUBA) — South Sudan, which is soon to become independent after a referendum, should focus on building strong relations with the north Sudan and neighboring states, Erik Solhiem, Norway’s minister for Environment and International Development has advised.
“About 105 years ago, Norway and Sweden held a similar referendum and the outcome turned out to be positive like the South Sudan referendum. Since then, the two countries have live in harmony with each other with strong relations between them,” the Norwegian minister said.
The Norwegian government, he said, was impressed with the achievements made by the southern government after the signing of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). The agreement ended over two decades of a bloody civil war fought between north and south and established the right of the south to self determination through January’s referendum. Over 99 percent of voters cast their ballot in favour of independence.
“For a government that just emerged out of conflict to achieve all these within the little timeframe is remarkable”, he said.
While enormous challenges await the south after independence, the Norwegian minister urged the southern government to focus on key social amenities like education, health, water and sanitation needs of the population.
“The fundamental rights of an individual in society are dependent on these basic needs and it remains the responsibility of the Government of Southern Sudan and it state administration to ensure that citizens get access to these basic necessities,” Solheim said.
The Norwegian minster further said he remains optimistic that remaining protocols of the CPA will be fully implemented in letter and spirit, adding that the successful referendum was a clear manifestation that everything is on course.
The north and south have yet to demarcate their common border and agree on who can vote in a referendum in the disputed oil-producing border region of Abyei, which was due to take place simultaneously to the southern plebiscite in early January.
Appointed minster in October 2005, Solheim remains a notable figure in Sri Lankan politics, having played a key role in peace negotiations between the government and the Tamil Tiger rebels.
Solheim, prior to being appointed minister for Environment and International Development, also served in the country’s parliament for 11 years and later in Norway’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs for five years.
(ST)