Envoy: US ready to work with a free Southern Sudan

By Peter Orengo

The US Government says it is ready to work with a new Southern Sudan Government should they vote for separation next year.

US special Envoy to Southern Sudan, Scott Gration, said the first step would be to help Southern Sudan tap its immense Agricultural potential, which has been static following 22 years of civil war.

"Leading experts from the US will help Southern Sudan to raise its food productivity and income for farmers," said the envoy.

He was speaking at a forum organised by the United States Agency for International Development (Usaid) that brought US agricultural experts to meet the southern Sudan Government.

More than 11 ministers attended the meeting, which was led by the Southern Sudan Minister for Cabinet Affairs.

Unique opportunity

"Agriculture development is the primary catalyst for future economic growth in Southern Sudan. This conference is a unique opportunity for Southern Sudan and international partners to bring focus to a sector that will benefit the Sudanese people," said Gration.

He said the two countries would embark on a programme that will boost food production and trade by linking areas of high agricultural potential with fast-growing markets for farm goods through road networks that are being improved and expanded.