Britain Calls For Peaceful Referendum

11 November 2010 – (Juba) – The International Development Secretary for the British Government, Andrew Mitchel, urges parties to the CPA to conduct the referendum peacefully and respect the outcome of the exercise.

Andrew Mitchel was speaking on Wednesday in Juba.

[Andrew Mitchel]: “The clear message that I bring today is, we expect and believe that every one will stick absolutely clearly at this typical time to the agreements made as part of the comprehensive peace agreement. The referendum which will be taking place shortly, registration of which is scheduled to start next Monday is enormously important. It is the opportunity under the CPA for people to express their views in an open free and fair way about the future of southern Sudan in favor of unity or secession. Let’s keep the temperature down as this event takes place and difficult decisions are then made. Britain will continue to give its very strong support during that process.”

According to Mitchel, the British government has allocated 7 and half million Sterling Pounds for the referendum exercise.