webmaster
© Copyright DEHAI-Eritrea OnLine, 1993-2011
All rights reserved
From: YPFDJ Media & Info (media@youngpfdj.com)
Date: Fri Jul 08 2011 - 11:13:32 EDT
http://184.154.228.7/~shaebia/index.php?option=com_content
<http://184.154.228.7/~shaebia/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=
179:statement-of-the-foreign-ministry-of-eritrea-on-the-igad-communique&cati
d=35:local-a-intl-news&Itemid=41>
&view=article&id=179:statement-of-the-foreign-ministry-of-eritrea-on-the-iga
d-communique&catid=35:local-a-intl-news&Itemid=41
It has been 56 years in the making, but it is finally here. The year 1955
marks the beginning of the struggle of the people of South Sudan for dignity
and self-determination; July 9, 2011, the successful completion of that epic
national effort.
The odds were never easy for the people of South Sudan. They had to overcome
immense difficulties and pay a heavy price in a journey full of twists and
turns, successes and near fatal setbacks. But they found within themselves
the fortitude and the capability- political, military and diplomatic- to
sustain their liberation movement until victory. Tribute is certainly due to
fighters of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) and the people of
South Sudan. Nor can the visionary leadership of Dr. John Garang de Mabior
be forgotten at this joyous hour of celebration. His successor, President
Salav Kiir Myardit, kept his eyes firmly on the prize, and has led a highly
complex and thorny transition to a triumphant end.
Eritrea is proud to have been associated with the SPLM and the people of
South Sudan. Its solidarity and support began immediately after its own
achievement of formal independence in May 1993. The first contacts between
the Eritrean Government and the SPLM took place the following September. In
February 1994, at the Pan African Conference in Kampala, Uganda, Eritrea
became the first country to publicly support the right of the people of
South Sudan to self-determination, affirming in a statement by President
Isaias Afwerki, that the cause of the people of South Sudan was a just one.
Ever since its initial commitment in 1993, Eritrea never wavered in its
support for the SPLM and South Sudan. It stood firm even during the
difficult years of 1998-2000, when the Ethiopian Government switched sides
with the aim of getting permission from the Government of Sudan in order to
attack Eritrea from Sudanese territory.
Given the mutual trust between the Eritrean and SPLM leaderships, Eritrea
has always been forthright in its discussions with the SPLM. Eritrea was
also in favor of the people of South Sudan attaining their rights fulfilling
their aspirations within a united, new Sudan, based on equality for all its
citizens. That indeed was the vision of the SPLM and the primary objective
that both the SPLM and the Government of Sudan committed themselves to in
the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. But when the people of South Sudan opted
for independence, Eritrea unhesitatingly supported their choice and
celebrated with them.
The people of South Sudan will begin a new phase in their nation-building
efforts on July 9. The road ahead will undoubtedly be full of formidable
challenges. There will inevitably be problems, setbacks and disappointments.
It has never been easy for anyone to set up a new state. But given their
impressive achievements to date, it would be the height of folly to deny
their ability to build a viable state.
More broadly, independent and sovereign South Sudan can be expected to play
a vital regional role as it enjoys unprecedented regional and international
goodwill, in addition to its significant experience and resources. It is
certainly a new element that can create a new dynamics in the Horn of
Africa.
As in the past, Eritrea will continue to stand in solidarity with the people
of South Sudan as well as the people of Sudan.
----[This List to be used for Eritrea Related News Only]----