 South Sudan celebrating independence as world’s newest nation July 9, 2011 - 11:21 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - South Sudan became the world’s newest nation early Saturday, July 9, officially breaking away from Sudan after two civil wars over five decades that cost the lives of millions. The Republic of South Sudan earned independence at 12:01 a.m. Saturday (local time), breaking Africa’s largest country in two. It marked the culmination of a January independence vote, which was guaranteed in a 2005 peace deal that ended the most recent north-south war. The deal that ended more than two decades of north-south war expired at midnight Friday. That’s when Sudan - which South Sudan is breaking away from - officially recognized the new country, The Associated Press reported. South Sudan is expected to become the 193rd country recognized by the United Nations next week and the 54th UN member state in Africa. Later Saturday, world leaders will attend a celebratory ceremony. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon already has arrived. Former U.S. secretary of state Colin Powell also will attend, as will Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, whose country already has recognized South Sudan.   Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals  Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation.Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush.Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year.Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |
