Obama: US to recognize Southern Sudan in July
President Barack Obama says the United States intends to formally recognize Southern Sudan as a sovereign, independent state in July 2011.
Obama made the announcement Monday in a statement congratulating the people of Southern Sudan for "a successful and inspiring" referendum. Election officials said Monday that more than 98 percent of ballots in the Jan. 9 vote were for independence. That means South Sudan will become the world's newest country in July. (AP)
