The president of Russia said that the referendum for the self-determination of South Sudan will influence the region at large.
In a message written yesterday to president Omar Hassan al-Bashir, Dmitry Medvedev emphasized that that the referendum’s result will not only determine the future of Southern Sudan and its people, but will have a substantial influence on the general political situation in the region.Mr. Medvedev asked the parties to make maximum efforts to rapidly draft and implement the needed agreements and practical measures for holding a properly organized and timely referendum.
He hoped that the referendum produce a result making it possible to establish the conditions necessary for continuing the post-conflict settlement process and ensuring Sudan’s sustainable development.
Mr. Medvedev affirmed that Russian observers will take part in the referendum’s international monitoring.
Mr. Medvedev’s message was delivered to Mr. al-Bashir by Mikhail Margelov, special Russian presidential envoy for Sudan on a working visit to Khartoum.