UN Secretary-General commends Sudan, South Sudan for post-independence progress; agreement on status of nationals, common boundary important step forward

NEW YORK, March 16, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The following statement was issued by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday, 14 March:

The Secretary-General commends the Governments of Sudan and South Sudan for the progress on the negotiations on post-independence issues. Coming to an agreement on the status of nationals of each state and the demarcation of the common boundary is an important step forward and an encouraging manifestation of both parties' spirit of cooperation and partnership.

The Secretary-General welcomes the planned summit between the Presidents of Sudan and South Sudan to sign both agreements, and encourages them to resolve all other outstanding matters as a matter of urgency and make the necessary compromise that will guarantee a peaceful and prosperous future for both Nations.

He congratulates the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel under the leadership of President Mbeki for its tireless efforts to conclude the negotiations between the two States.