Statement by Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, on the Agreements between Sudan and South Sudan
Susan E. Rice U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations U.S. Mission to the United Nations New York, NY September 27, 2012
We welcome the important agreements signed today between Sudan and South Sudan. The understandings reached on security, oil, financial, nationality and trade issues testify to courageous leadership on both sides and skilled diplomacy by President Thabo Mbeki and the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel. Just a few months ago, Sudan and South Sudan were on the brink of war. Today’s agreements demonstrate the impact that strong, united action by the UN Security Council can have on some of the world’s most challenging situations. The Security Council’s adoption of resolution 2046, endorsing the AU Roadmap and setting forth clear obligations on both sides, helped to chart a path out of conflict.
If implemented swiftly and effectively, these agreements will bring enormous benefits to people in both Sudan and South Sudan, lay a foundation for resolution of the remaining issues, and promote lasting peace. The grave humanitarian crises in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile are unacceptable, and it is imperative that Sudan grant immediate and unhindered humanitarian access to help those in desperate need. We have seen before that the situation in the Two Areas and along the border can unravel efforts to chart a brighter future for both sides. All concerned must build on today’s historic step to fulfill the promise of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and resolve the final status of the disputed border area of Abyei.
Signing of Agreements between Sudan and South Sudan
Press Statement Hillary Rodham Clinton Secretary of State Washington, DC September 27, 2012
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.
Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, delivers remarks on Sudan and South Sudan at the United Nations in New York, New York on September 7, 2012. [Go to http://video.state.gov for more video and text transcript.]
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton holds a joint press availability with Foreign Minister of South Sudan Nhial Deng Nhial, in Juba, South Sudan on August 3, 2012. [Go to http://video.state.gov for more video and text transcript.]
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will travel to Africa, July 31 through August 10, 2012. On her trip, she will make stops in Senegal, South Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa. Throughout the trip, Secretary Clinton will emphasize U.S. policy commitments outlined in the Presidential Policy Directive — to strengthen democratic institutions, spur economic growth, advance peace and security, as well as promote opportunity and development for all citizens.
In Senegal, Secretary Clinton will meet President Sall and other national leaders, as well as deliver a speech applauding the resilience of Senegal’s democratic institutions and…more »
Investing in Security: Program Develops New Generation of Humanitarian Demining Leaders
I recently had the privilege of visiting James Madison University to attend the closing ceremony for the 2012 Senior Managers’ Course in Explosive Remnants of War and Mine Action, where I met a select group of individuals serving on the front lines of humanitarian crises and post-conflict environments around the world.
This year, the 17 participants represented 13 different countries, including Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Laos, Lebanon, Libya, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Uganda, and Vietnam. These “Senior Managers” are each leaders in their respective national mine action and ERW programs. This diversity the students bring in terms of background and experience is one of the main reasons… more »
South Sudan Integrated Mine Action Service Brings Security to War-Torn Communities
As South Sudan approaches the first anniversary since independence, the country faces profound challenges from landmines and unexploded munitions, which remain a tragic legacy of decades of conflict. On the front lines of this new struggle against these hidden hazards are the dedicated men and women of the South Sudan Integrated Mine Action Service (SIMAS).
I recently visited South Sudan to meet the organization’s brave and dedicated staff, and I saw firsthand how U.S. support for conventional weapons destruction is making a difference in the world’s newest nation.
Landmines and unexploded ordnance inhibit development, disrupt markets and production, prevent the delivery of goods and services, and generally obstruct reconstruction and stabilization… more »
Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, delivers remarks on the conflict between Sudan and South Sudan to the United Nations Security Council in New York, New York on May 2, 2012. [Go to http://video.state.gov for more video and text transcript.]
Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, deliver remarks to the press on Sudan. South Sudan, and Syria at the United Nations in New York, New York on April 25, 2012. [Go to http://video.state.gov for more video and text transcript.]
On the Attack on South Sudan by Sudan
Press Statement Victoria Nuland Department Spokesperson Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC April 23, 2012
The United States strongly condemns Sudan’s military incursion into South Sudan yesterday and calls for the immediate cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of all Sudanese armed militia from South Sudan. Sudan must immediately halt the aerial and artillery bombardment in South Sudan by the Sudan Armed Forces. Sudan and South Sudan must end all military support for rebel groups within the other country.
We recognize the right of South Sudan to self-defense and urge South Sudan to exercise restraint in its reaction to Sudan’s attack in Unity State and to refrain from disproportionate actions which would only further enflame the hostilities between the parties. We welcome South Sudan’s withdrawal from Heglig, and we urge that South Sudan complete a total withdrawal of all South Sudanese armed forces deployed across the January 1, 1956 border.
Both governments must agree to an immediate unconditional cessation of hostilities and recommit to negotiations under the auspices of the African Union High-level Implementation Panel. We urge both parties to activate without delay the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism, including unarmed observers from both parties supported by UN observers.
As President Obama stated in his message to the people of Sudan and South Sudan, “All those who are fighting must recognize that there is no military solution. The only way to achieve real and lasting security is to resolve your differences through negotiation.”
![Secretary Clinton boards plane in Beirut, Lebanon, April 26, 2009. [State Department Photo]](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121018080420im_/http://blogs.state.gov/images/Dipnote/behind_the_scenes/2009_0716_clinton_departs_m.jpg)
![Major General Walter D. Givhan recognizes participants at the 2012 Senior Managers Course in Explosive Remnants of War and Mine Action at the James Madison University, June 2012. This year, the 17 participants represented 13 different countries, including Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Laos, Lebanon, Libya, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Uganda, and Vietnam. [State Department photo/ Public Domain]](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121018080420im_/http://blogs.state.gov/images/Dipnote/behind_the_scenes/2012_0712_pm_ceremony_m.jpg)
