Britain hails deal between Sudan and South Sudan

British Foreign Secretary William Hague has welcomed the agreements signed Thursday between the Presidents of Sudan and South Sudan. Speaking from New York, where he is attending the UN General Assembly, the Foreign Secretary said: “I welcome the news of the signing today of agreements between the Sudanese and South Sudanese Presidents. They represent a significant stride towards the goal of resolving all outstanding disputes between the two countries, and building a constructive and neighbourly relationship. The resumption of oil exports, enshrinement of the rights of citizens, and the immediate implementation of border security measures will be of enormous benefit to both countries. “Much work remains in the implementation of the agreements, and it is equally important to keep up efforts to seek an agreed solution on Abyei and other outstanding issues. The UK stands ready to support the implementation of these agreements. Putting them into practice will take continued commitment on both sides, and I urge both Presidents to maintain the leadership they have shown today. On this positive day, we must not forget the people of Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile, who are still suffering greatly as a result of the ongoing conflict in those two areas. It remains critical that talks commence to agree a ceasefire, and that the Tripartite Agreements on humanitarian access, signed in early August, are put into immediate effect.”