By IANS,
New Delhi : India Monday welcomed the results of the January referendum in which southern Sudan voted for independence.
“India welcomes the successful conclusion of the referendum held in southern Sudan in which its people have voted overwhelmingly for a separate state of South Sudan in a credible and peaceful manner,” said a press release here of the ministry of external affairs.
As part of the 2005 comprehensive peace agreement which ended the civil war between North and South Sudan, a referendum was held in the first half of January on the possibility of independence.
The election results announced Feb 7 said 98 percent of ballots were in favour of independence.
“This is a momentous development in the history of South Sudan and India congratulates all parties for conducting the proceedings peacefully and amicably in achieving the important landmark of the comprehensive peace agreement of 2005, which India fully supports,” said the ministry statement.
South Sudan is likely to become the newest independent nation in July, when the comprehensive peace agreement expires.