Post date: Feb 01, 2011 11:54:34 AM
Sudan's government accepts the results of a referendum that saw 99 percent of south Sudan's population vote for secession from the north, as China welcomes referendum results.
KHARTHOUM, SUDAN (JANUARY 31, 2011) REUTERS -
ALI OSMAN MOHAMED TAHA, SUDAN'S VICE PRESIDENT SAYING:
"We announce our agreement and our acceptance of the result of the referendum announced yesterday, and we will enter into preparations that in the coming period requires. We wish our brothers in the south good luck and a fruitful future in organising the issues surrounding their new country. It is important to us that stability will be a basic reality."
HONG LEI, CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON SAYING:
"This is an important step towards comprehensively implementing complete peace treaty. China welcomes the move. South Sudan's referendum is not the final goal for implementing the peace treaty. To realize Sudan's long-lasting peace, stability and development are the ultimate objective."