Remarks by UN Secretary-General at the welcoming of South Sudan as the 193rd Member State

Details: Category: International; Published on Thursday, 14 July 2011 23:08; Written by Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations; Hits: 7132

ON SOUTH SUDAN’S ADMISSION TO UNITED NATIONS, SECRETARY-GENERAL SAYS ‘YOU NOW SIT WITH US; WE STAND WITH YOU’

Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s remarks at the General Assembly meeting on the admission of South Sudan, today, 14 July, in New York:

At this moment, in this place, the world gathers to say in one voice: Welcome, South Sudan. Welcome to the community of nations. Just days ago, I was honoured to attend the independence ceremony in Juba. I felt the energy, the potential and the pure joy of the world’s newest nation.

To my eyes, the rising flag symbolized the rising hopes of the people of South Sudan — all those who endured the long civil war; all those who lost so many loved ones; all those who left their homes and fled their communities; all those who held fast to hope. Now they have reached an important milestone. But the journey continues.

Yes, the task ahead is great. But so, too, is the country’s potential. With its abundant natural resources, arable land, the waters of the Nile, and, of course, proud and hard-working people.

We pledge to help South Sudan shape its future, as we help the region consolidate the gains. Together, we salute the leaders of both North and South Sudan. They showed courage and commitment in bringing about a successful referendum that expressed the democratic will of the people.

Matters of borders, sharing of resources and migration should be dealt with as soon as possible. It is imperative that you resolve outstanding differences with the same pragmatism and leadership that you have each shown so far. The well-being and future prosperity of each depends on the other. South and North share a common destiny — they must see a future as true partners, not rivals.

The United Nations, the African Union, international non-governmental organizations and individual Member States have been strong and close allies in helping North and South work towards peace, development and to human rights.

Our continuing commitment will be essential as we go forward. Together, let us stay true to the cause of peace, justice and opportunity for all. Together, let us say to the citizens of our newest Member State: You now sit with us. We stand with you.

Thank you very much.

HAILING WORLD’S NEWEST INDEPENDENT COUNTRY, SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES 193RD UNITED NATIONS MEMBER STATE AT FLAG-RAISING CEREMONY FOR SOUTH SUDAN

Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s remarks at the flag-raising ceremony for South Sudan in New York, today, 14 July:

It reminds me of the very historic independence ceremony which was held last Saturday in Juba: many people — hundreds of thousands of people — standing under a very beautiful sky, under very hot sun, but moved and hopeful and deeply touched and excited. This reminds me of exactly the same.

I am very pleased to be part of this historic flag-raising ceremony. This is your moment, Mr. Vice-President [Riek Machar]. Just days ago, I stood among hundreds of thousands of the people of your country. Together, we watched your flag rise for the first time over your new capital, Juba.

Now that flag will rise for the first time over our shared capital — the capital of the international community — here at the United Nations. The United Nations is very pleased to welcome our 193^rd Member State — the newest nation in Africa, the newest nation on earth. The colours of your flag represent the people, peace, the blood shed for freedom, your land and waters, with a guiding star for unity.

On behalf of the international community, and all the peoples of the world, we salute that flag. We will work with you to realize all the hopes and dreams it represents. We wish you justice, peace and prosperity. We will stay with you on the long road ahead.

Like your flag, let us rise. Let us rise, together, to the challenge.

Mabruk. South Sudan Oyee.

SOURCE: UN News Center