[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 101 (Friday, July 8, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1277]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN RECOGNITION OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF SOUTH SUDAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. STEPHEN F. LYNCH

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, July 8, 2011

  Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, it is with an immense sense of hope that I 
rise today to congratulate the people of South Sudan on the eve of 
their independence.
  South Sudan has overcome incredible devastation brought on by decades 
of violence and famine that killed and displaced millions. After years 
of brutal fighting, the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People's 
Liberation Movement signed a peace agreement in January 2005 that 
finally ended the civil war. And in January of this year the people of 
the south, by an overwhelming margin of 98.8 per cent to 1.17 per cent, 
peacefully voted for independence. The joy on the voters' faces as they 
cast their ballots, their hopes for the future, and their unshakeable 
resolve to determine their own fate was nothing short of inspirational.
  South Sudan will face many challenges. There are still major issues 
to be addressed such as its frayed relations with Khartoum, the dispute 
over Abyei and the lack of agreement on borders, citizenship rights and 
other matters. In addition, there is the extremely worrisome violence 
that has grown in recent weeks in the northern border state of Southern 
Kordofan which has forced tens of thousands to flee. These tests will 
be difficult but I have no doubt that the people of South Sudan will 
continue to demonstrate the courage and strength of spirit that has 
brought them this far to take on these challenges. As they do so, the 
people of the United States will continue to support and stand by them 
as they build their new country.
  However, tomorrow will be a day for celebrating a new nation that was 
able to overcome adversity and rise out of the ashes of genocide and 
civil war. On behalf of the people of the Ninth District of 
Massachusetts, I wish to extend my deepest congratulations to the 
people of South Sudan.

                          ____________________