Clinton to Sudan: Threats to Peace Deal Are 'Real'
VOA News 08 January 2010
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says Sudan is facing political and security problems that pose a "real" threat to a historic peace deal between the north and south.
Clinton marked the fifth anniversary of Sudan's peace agreement in Washington Friday.
She expressed concern about the rise of tribal violence in south Sudan, the poor security situation in the north's Darfur region and ongoing political and border tensions.
Clinton said the issues could undermine April elections and referendums in 2011, key components of the 2005 peace deal which ended a 21-year civil war.
The secretary of state called on government leaders to ensure the votes take place on time and that their outcomes are respected. She said the United States and the international community will work to help Sudan prepare for whatever voters decide.
South Sudan is scheduled to vote next year on whether to become independent.
The south's SPLM (Sudan People's Liberation Movement) party and the northern-based National Congress Party are partners in a coalition government. But each side has accused the other of failing to implement the peace agreement.
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