Senate Unanimously Passes Bipartisan Resolution on South Sudan

Press Release

U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement Monday evening after the Senate unanimously passed a resolution he introduced to welcome independence for the Republic of South Sudan:

"The United States Senate tonight spoke in one voice, congratulating the people of South Sudan on independence achieved through a free and peaceful referendum. I welcome South Sudan into the community of sovereign nations as Africa's 54th country and the United Nations' 193rd member.

"After decades of war, we look forward to a brighter and more peaceful future, and call on the governments of Sudan and South Sudan to peacefully resolve outstanding issues including the final status of Abyei, division of oil revenues, citizenship, and conflict in Southern Kordofan. The United States and the international community must continue sustained efforts urging resolution to the difficult issues facing Sudan and South Sudan, and help bring about a brighter future of stability, prosperity, and peace."

S. Con. Res. 25 was introduced by Senator Coons and was co-sponsored by Senators Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Carl Levin (D-Mich.).

Senator Coons is a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and is chair of the Subcomittee on African Affairs.

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