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

July 25, 2011 (JUBA) – The Vice President of the newly born Republic of South Sudan, Riek Machar, said the new nation needed to capitalize on the goodwill of the international community towards its prosperity.

Machar arrived in Juba on Monday from the United States of America during which he witnessed the recognition of South Sudan as an independent state as well as raising of its flag on 14th July by the United Nations in New York as the 193rd member state.

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

Machar told journalists shortly after his arrival at Juba International Airport that the flag was raised in the presence of 192 nations in a very celebratory mood, adding that the state of Mauritius had to give up its pole No. 85 and lowered its flag so that South Sudan flag could be raised in its place during the ceremony before 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 capitalize on.

He however 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 Salva Kiir Mayardit was sworn in as new president of the Republic of South Sudan on July 9, and on the following day he appointed Riek Machar as his deputy in the new independent state. 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 also added that the world expects the new state to maintain security in the region.

Currently there are a number of rebel groups fighting against the government, coupled with cattle raiding and disputes at the North-South border between the two recently split neighboring countries.

He however expressed optimism that the new country will not become a failed state but will prosper.

(ST)