South Sudan to capitalise on the goodwill of the international community – Machar

July 25, 2011 (JUBA) – The Vice President of South Sudan, Riek Machar, said the new nation needed to capitalise on the goodwill of the international community for the sake of its prosperity.

Machar arrived in Juba on Monday from a trip to the US where he witnessed the recognition of South Sudan as an independent state and as raising of its flag on 14 July by the UN in New York , marking its status as the 193rd member state.

South Sudan became independent on 9 July, following an overwhelming vote by its people in favour of independence in January this year. The exercise was conducted in accordance with the 2005 peace accord that ended 21 years of war between North and South Sudan.

Machar told journalists that the flag was raised in a celebratory mood, adding that the state of Mauritius had to give up its pole so that South Sudan could raise its flag, efore its own pole was erected. He said a number celebrations were also organized by the state members including the US after the raising of the flag.

He revealed that the nations of the world expressed readiness to establish diplomatic relations with the new state and support it in development, saying it was a goodwill the new independent state should capitalise on.

He added that the international community also expected the new state to deliver just in the same way the people of South Sudan expect their new state to deliver for their welfare.

President Kiir, who was sworn in as new president of the Republic of South Sudan appointed Machar as his deputy on 10 July. Both leaders will consult to form the next government, which Kiir said would be lean and broad-based in which qualifications will be the basis for appointment to the cabinet.

Machar emphasised the importance of security for the success of the new state.

(ST)