Pelosi Statement on Southern Sudan

Contact: Nadeam Elshami/Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement regarding the announcement that the people of Southern Sudan have voted for independence and that President Obama has announced that the United States will formally recognize Southern Sudan as a sovereign, independent state in July 2011.

“The announcement that the people of Southern Sudan have voted for independence is an historic event and an opportunity for optimism. The Sudanese people have suffered through decades of civil war and famine; it is our hope that self-determination will usher in a new era of peace and prosperity for all of the people of Sudan.

“The 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement helped establish the environment for this historic vote. President Obama and Secretary Clinton are to be commended for intensifying diplomatic efforts to ensure that the CPA is fully implemented and that the referendum reflected the will of the people of Southern Sudan. And the Sudanese people are to be congratulated for their courage in engaging in this democratic process. I am proud that the United States will formally recognize Southern Sudan was a sovereign, independent state in July 2011.

“Major challenges lie ahead in regards to Southern Sudan’s transition to an independent state and the outstanding disputes still need to be resolved, including the status of the border region of Abyei. In addition, the United States and the international community must redouble our efforts to secure a peace agreement in Darfur and finally end the continued violence against innocent civilians in Darfur.”