2011-01-19 10:17

UNITED NATIONS - With the completion of the referendum in south Sudan just days ago, the top United Nations envoy for Sudan on Tuesday lauded it as "historic milestone," laying down a foundation for the future peace and stability, while also stressing, the continued support from the international community to sustain efforts.

"Sudan is on the eve of a new dawn, and it is going to need a heavy dose of encouragement and support from the international community to make sure committed implementation of the CPA (Comprehensive Peace Agreement) signifies a final and definitive break with the past and opens a new era of prosperity and stability for all Sudanese," the special representative of the UN secretary-general in Sudan, Haile Menkerios, told the Security Council via telecom on an open meeting of the region.

On Saturday, South Sudan referendum polling centers closed. The referendum will determine whether south Sudan remains a part of Sudan or becomes independent, in accordance with the 2005 CPA that ended a long-running north-south civil war.

With the "peaceful conclusion of polling" in spite of short time frame and logistical challenges, Menkerios applauded the "remarkable polling process."

"As we move into the final six months of the CPA interim period, much remains to be done," he highlighted. "Hopefully, the successful completion of the Southern Sudan referendum, would help enhance confidence between the two parties, and help them make the necessary compromises to find solutions to the future status of Abyei and a host of other pending issues."

People in the oil-producing Abyei were promised a referendum on January 9 on whether to join the north or south, but the plebiscite was postponed due to a dispute over whether the nomadic tribe of Misseria, who enter Abyei for a few months each year to graze cattle, should be given the right to vote.

Uncertainty over Abyei continues to "present a risk to peace and stability on the ground," he noted, citing the recent clashes between local Dinka police force and Misseria communities.

"Continued absence of a final settlement for the future status of Abyei leaves open the possibility of further clashes between the communities on the ground," Menkerios said, as he called on parties to redouble efforts.

The referendum's preliminary results are expected to be announced by February 2, and depending on whether appeals are launched in the courts, the final result will be declared on February 7 or 14.