On 9 July 2011 the Republic of South Sudan will celebrate its birth and admission to the United Nations

Almost 5 months are passed from the Statement by Mr. Haile Menkerios, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the Sudan to the Security Council, who talked about the success of the Southern Sudan Self-Determination Referendum. The 5 days polling which started on 9 January 2011 and concluded on 15 January saw the wide participation of the local population which voted for the independence of the country.
The international community wishes that the birth of the Republic of Southern Sudan will bring stability and peace in the region despite the recent clashes at the border, the displaced Southerners in Sudan and the unsolved situation in the district of Abyei. Key negotiations with the North still remain - most importantly over oil.

Flag hoisting rehearsals for the independence
 ceremony of next 9 July 2011 - Photo:Paul Banks.

"Both parties have clearly demonstrated that from now on, no unilateral action, no provocation could bring them back to war, and their remaining disputes shall be resolved through dialogue," said Haile Menkerios, the UN Secretary-General's special representative, in a speech on 7 July.

More information:
UNMIS - United Nations Mission in the Sudan
Rehearsals for South Sudan Independence Ceremony
As South Sudan’s independence nears, UN gets ready for next phase of its role