Toespraak Hoge Vertegenwoordiger Ashton en Eurocommissaris Piebalgs over het eenjarig bestaan van de Republiek van Zuid Soedan (en) - Montesquieu Instituut

During the past twelve months, South Sudan has worked to establish itself as a secure and prosperous country. The EU acknowledges the efforts by the Government of South Sudan and encourages its leaders to show the necessary statesmanship to pursue this endeavour

The EU reaffirms its commitment to support South Sudan and to help its people achieve durable prosperity through its development assistance programme

The EU wishes the people of South Sudan a happy anniversary and pledges that it will continue to stand by them on their road to peace and prosperity

On the occasion of the first anniversary of the Republic of South Sudan's independence on 9 July 2012, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, Catherine Ashton declared:

"On this day last year, I was in Juba to join with the people of South Sudan to celebrate the independence of their country and to welcome the world's newest state into the community of nations. Today, it is my pleasure to congratulate South Sudan on the first anniversary of its independence.

Lasting peace and development in South Sudan will only be possible once South Sudan and Sudan live side by side as good neighbours respecting each other's sovereignty. The EU appeals to both countries to reach agreement on all outstanding post-secession issues through implementing the AU Roadmap and UNSC Resolution 2046 without delay or condition and within the given timeframe. "

The European Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs said:

"I visited South Sudan in May and November 2011 to confirm President Salva Kiir that the EU would play its share in supporting South Sudan's sustainable development by providing €200 million. One month later at the International Engagement Conference for South Sudan in Washington in December, I announced a new allocation of €80 million to improve rural infrastructure; boosting productivity by providing easier access to services and land; support to small-holders and strengthening water management for sustainable use.

These allocations bringing total EU contribution to almost 300 million euros proof the EU's long-term commitment to South Sudan's development. South Sudan's recent accession to the Cotonou Agreement has opened prospects for an even closer partnership between the EU and South Sudan in the future."

For more information contact: Michael Mann +32 2 299 9780

Alexandre Polack +32 2 299 0677