Pretoria - The South African government has welcomed the smooth completion of the referendum in south Sudan, which is an important step towards the full implementation of the Comprehensive Peaceful Agreement.
On Saturday, the people of southern Sudan concluded their historic week-long referendum in which they voted on whether they will remain part of a united Sudan or form a new independent state.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation commended the people of Sudan for exercising their right to cast their votes and to decide their own future.
It also commended both President Al-Bashir and First Vice President Salva Kiir on the personal leadership and courage they have shown in facilitating a conducive and peaceful environment for citizens to participate freely and without fear in casting their ballots.
"The steps taken in the Sudan to ensure the peaceful conduct of the referendum are not only a positive sign of further developments in the Sudan, but for the Horn of Africa region and the entire African continent," department spokesperson, Clayson Monyela, said in a statement.
Observers believe that the referendum will lead to the secession of the south from northern Sudan - giving birth to Africa's 54th state.
Monyela stressed the utmost importance of continued implementation of the CPA and urged the parties to reach an agreement quickly on Abyei and other critical issues, including border demarcation, security arrangements, citizenship, debts, assets, currency and natural resource arrangements.
He added that South Africa was in full support of the African Union High Level Implementation Panel in facilitating the negotiations of the post-referendum issues.
South Africa had sent a team of 35 people, including members of parliament and civil society, to observe the to assist in ensuring a conducive environment for a credible, free and fair referendum.
The country's support was based on its role as chair of the African Union Committee on Post Conflict Reconstruction and Development in Sudan.
The Southern Sudan Referendum Commission is expected to release the preliminary referendum results on 2 February. Barring legal challenges, the final results will be declared on 7 February, and in the event of appeals, on 14 February.
