Obama Hails Sudan, South Sudan Oil Deal
U.S. President Barack Obama welcomed an oil sharing deal Saturday between Sudan and South Sudan, which has helped resolve a dispute that nearly brought the rivals to war earlier this year.
Landlocked South Sudan said it had agreed to pay a pipeline transit fee of $9.48 per oil barrel to transport its crude through Sudan, a significant drop from Khartoum's initial demands of up to $36 a barrel in fees.
"This agreement opens the door to a future of greater prosperity for the people of both countries," Obama said in a statement.
"The leaders of Sudan and South Sudan deserve congratulations for reaching agreement and finding compromise on such an important issue, and I applaud the efforts of the international community, which came together to encourage and support the parties in finding a resolution."
Obama said he was especially grateful for the African Union's efforts, led by former South African president Thabo Mbeki, and its "determined and skilled leadership in bringing about this agreement."
In a separate release, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton noted that the "interests of their people were at stake" in ending an impasse that has lasted over six months.
"We praise the courage of the Republic of South Sudan's leadership in taking this decision," added Clinton, who had visited Juba on Friday on her current Africa tour.
"Now was the time to bring this impasse to a close, for the good of the people of South Sudan and their aspirations for a better future in the face of ongoing challenges. South Sudan's leaders have risen to the occasion."
The top U.S. diplomat praised the "bold comprehensive proposal," saying "the future of South Sudan is now brighter."
"For Sudan, too, this agreement offers a way out of the extreme economic stress it is now experiencing," Clinton said.
"If Sudan would now also take the steps to peace in Southern Kordofan, Blue Nile and Darfur, and if it will respect the rights of all citizens, it can likewise give its people a brighter future."
Mbeki said an accord had also been reached between Khartoum, the United Nations, the AU and the Arab League to allow for humanitarian access to Sudan's war-torn Blue Nile and South Kordofan states.
Obama said he was encouraged by the announcement and called for "the immediate implementation of this agreement to provide urgently needed humanitarian assistance to people in these areas."
"I encourage the parties to build on the momentum created by these breakthroughs to resolve remaining border and security issues," he added.
The United States would continue to support efforts to bring about a "lasting peace" between the two Sudans, the president said.
Source: Agence France Presse
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