US senator: Sudan committed to Jan. 9 referendum
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A leading US senator says Sudanese leaders have assured him that they are committed to holding a referendum on southern independence on time. Sen. John Kerry says he met with senior Sudanese officials in the north and south during a three-day visit to Africa's largest country.
He says Sudan's leaders "are absolutely committed" to making the Jan. 9 referendum take place as planned. The vote will decide whether the south will split from the north and become an independent state. Kerry told reporters Sunday the US is committed to playing a "positive role" in ensuring a peaceful outcome to the vote. (AP)
