President Barrack Obama [©jackjodell53]
By Lopu Moses
JUBA, 22nd April 2012 [Gurtong]
“President Obama sends an important and very clear message to the people of Sudan and South Sudan: conflict is not inevitable. The people of Sudan and South Sudan still have a choice, a chance to avoid being dragged back into war,” the document reads.
A few days ago, the two countries were locked in a “logic of war” after the SPLA took over disputed oil rich region of Heglig which they said was used to shell their positions.
Obama has called on Sudan to halt all military actions, including aerial bombardments; give aid workers unfettered access to people in need; and end support for armed groups in the South.
Similarly, he called on South Sudan to end support for armed groups inside Sudan and cease its military actions across the border.
“All parties fighting – including in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile States must recognize that the only way to achieve real and lasting security is to resolve their differences through negotiation.”
President Obama is gravely concerned by the situation in South Kordofan and Blue Nile, especially with the recent clashes along the shared border with South Sudan.
He continues to urge all sides to exercise maximum restraint and to emphasize the importance of finding peaceful solutions for Sudan and South Sudan.
The President expressed his deep commitment to seeing Sudan and South Sudan become two economically viable prosperous states living side-by-side in peace.
He added that “the people of Sudan and South Sudan have endured extraordinary hardship over the years of war. But in recent years, against great odds, they have made tremendous progress toward a future of peace.”
The future of Sudan and South Sudan belongs to them and, as President Obama makes it clear in his remarks, “those who have the courage to walk the path of peace will have a strong and steady partner in the United States of America.”