Secretary-General's press encounter in Juba [Updated]

I am happy to join the President of the General Assembly, Mr. Minister, and President Kiir to celebrate the independence of South Sudan.

I am confident that this new country will soon become the newest member of the United Nations –our 193rd Member State.

I commend President Kiir on reaching today's milestone. You have walked a long road in the name of peace.

That journey continues.

South Sudan begins life as a state facing enormous challenges.

But South Sudan has remarkable potential. With natural resources, huge amounts of arable land and the waters of the Nile flowing through it, the South could grow into a prosperous nation.

President Salva Kiir is committed to meeting these challenges. He has also assured me of his resolve to work with the international community and the United Nations to ensure a peaceful transition.

Today is also a day to recognize the strong ties between South Sudan and its northern neighbour. The people living along the common border have coexisted for generations and will continue to live side by side. Trade must continue, and nomadic groups must be allowed to continue their seasonal migrations.

It is essential that the Governments of Sudan and South Sudan agree on arrangements for border management that help them build a strong, peaceful relationship.

Let us also remember that some key elements of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement have not been completed.

The citizens of Southern Kordofan and the Blue Nile States have not exercised their right to be heard in popular consultations. I just met with a group of people who were displaced by the violence in Southern Kordofan. Their stories touched me and demonstrated how much more must be done to ensure they can return to their homes, resume their livelihoods and ultimately have their views represented at the national level.

The people of Abyei are also still waiting for a final resolution of the area. The deployment of UN troops to Abyei is a positive step towards security. But there remains an urgent need for a political solution.

Today, South Sudan assumes its place on the international stage and all of the rights that come with sovereignty. The presence of high-level delegations from around the world is a testament to the respect and support the new country enjoys.

But statehood is also a great responsibility. President Kiir and I discussed the importance of free expression, political rights and inclusive governance going forward. I was pleased to hear his strong commitment to these principles.

The United Nations, for its part, has brought its full capacities to bear on the search for peace, peacekeeping, mediation, humanitarian assistance, human rights and development. We remain strongly committed to assisting the Government of South Sudan in any way we can.

Ladies and Gentlemen, as of today, a new United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan has been authorized by the Security Council and will begin its deployment.

I am especially happy to be here with my new Special Representative for South Sudan, Ms. Hilde Johnson. Her long history in Sudan, demonstrated commitment and expertise on issues of peace, security and development will be an important asset going forward.

At this time, I would like to take the opportunity to highly commend the leadership of Mr. Haile Menkerios, who has been working as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Sudan and who has been making great contribution for peace and stability in this area.

This is a historic day. I wish the leaders and people of South Sudan every success and continued prosperity. May they and their children find lasting peace and prosperity.

In that quest, the world stands with you.

The United Nations will always continue to stand by with the people of South Sudan in their common efforts to make this country resilient, sustainable in development and prosperity, and a matured democracy, where they can live with their people as well as their neighboring countries, side by side, in peace and security.

I thank you very much and I wish, again, all the best, to this great country: the Republic of South Sudan.

Thank you very much.