The following is excerpted from a 9 July 2011 News Release by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada.

John Baird, Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister, today issued the following statement regarding the independence of South Sudan:

“The Government of Canada welcomes South Sudan into the community of nations as an independent state. After decades of conflict and underdevelopment, this historic occasion represents an important opportunity for the people of South Sudan to build a brighter, better future for themselves. We encourage the leaders of South Sudan to do all they can to deliver on this promise...

The release is available in its entirety on the DFAIT website at:

http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/news-communiques/2011/196.aspx?lang=eng

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