Clinton calls on South Sudan, Sudan to conclude deal
JUBA (Aug 3, 2012) – US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Friday urged South Sudan to continue extending peace feelers to neighboring Sudan as a deadline the UN set for the two countries to seal a deal on outstanding issues expired.
Clinton, the most senior US official to visit South Sudan since the country became independent almost a year ago, urged South Sudanese leaders to settle issues with Sudan that nearly brought the two countries to war.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
The US official met in Juba, amongst others, with President Salva Kiir. He briefed Clinton on the status of negotiations with Sudan and moves South Sudan has made in recent weeks to demonstrate its desire for peace.
“It is urgent that both sides, north and south, follow through and reach timely agreements on all outstanding issues,” Clinton said after the meeting.
“While South Sudan and Sudan have become separate states, their futures remain inextricably linked,” she added.
The US played a crucial role in bringing about the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that ended more than two decades of conflict between the ruling SPLM and successive regimes in Khartoum.
US officials travelling with the Secretary of State said she also assured the South Sudanese leader of Washington’s strong support for the new nation.
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