[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 109 (Wednesday, July 20, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1366]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               CONGRATULATING SOUTH SUDAN'S INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 20, 2011

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Republic of South Sudan 
on achieving their independence. This is a long awaited step for a 
nation that has experienced many years of struggle and strife.
  South Sudan has fought for their independence for a long time: first 
from Egypt and the United Kingdom, which was achieved in 1956, and then 
years of civil war with Northern Sudan that culminated with the 
horrific genocide in Darfur. Thanks to the efforts of Secretary of 
State Colin Powell in 2005, an end to civil war was reached and the 
framework for an independent Southern Sudan was established.
  There are many people who deserve credit for fostering this momentous 
occasion. I thank President Barack Obama and Vice-President Joe Biden 
for their leadership in rallying the international community to push 
this referendum through; Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for helping 
broker peace in the region; Ambassador Susan Rice for building support 
for South Sudan in the United Nations; and Special Envoy Princeton 
Lyman, his predecessor, Scott Gration, and numerous other U.S. 
Government officials who worked tirelessly to bring peace and 
independence to a troubled region.
  A special word of praise goes out to the tireless efforts of dozens 
of American diplomats who, in the face of considerable danger, have 
been on the ground throughout Sudan. They helped to forge independence 
for South Sudan through guidance, advice, and collaboration with both 
sides and helped facilitate negotiations that culminated in the 
referendum for South Sudan's independence. Our heroic diplomats will 
continue to remain in both countries to support them through this time 
of transition.
  The United States has worked long and hard for this moment. Our 
commitment, however, does not end with the declaration. I look forward 
to working with my colleagues and the State Department in helping the 
new African nation establish their economy, strengthen their democracy 
and meet the needs of the people. This is a joyous event for South 
Sudan and an inspiration to the world for achieving peace and 
stability.

                          ____________________