Signing of Agreements between Sudan and South Sudan

Statement

I applaud today's agreements between Sudan and South Sudan on security, oil, financial, nationality, and trade issues. This is a critical step toward the peaceful resolution of the outstanding issues, as required by the African Union Peace and Security Council Roadmap and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2046, and toward fostering a new peace, greater stability and development, and new economic partnerships.

The leadership shown on both sides is an example of what is possible when people come together in good faith and choose a brighter future for their people. We hope that these agreements pave the way for resolution by the Government of Sudan of the conflict and the humanitarian needs in Southern Kordofan, Blue Nile, and Darfur.

The leadership of President Thabo Mbeki and the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel has enabled the parties to achieve these agreements. Their relentless efforts, coupled with the commitment of international partners, particularly the African Union, the chair of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, and the United Nations, have brought new hope to the people of Sudan and South Sudan.

It is a moment worth celebrating, but the success of the agreements will depend on the next steps. We call on the parties to maintain their commitments, live up to the serious responsibilities to which they have agreed, and immediately begin to implement these agreements. We also strongly urge the parties to agree on a sustainable process to resolve the final status of the disputed border area of Abyei. The United States supports the execution of all agreements reached today, and we stand with the Sudanese and South Sudanese people in pursuit of a lasting peace.

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