South Sudan: World leaders welcome new nation

Declarations recognizing the nation of South Sudan sank the U.S., UK, Russia and others as tens of thousands watched and independence flag raising ceremony in the capital, Juba.

Salva Kiir was sworn in as president.

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir was present and called the United States to end sanctions against his country.

President Barack Obama said in a statement he was "proud to say that the United States officially recognizes the Republic of South Sudan as a sovereign and independent on this day July 9, 2011."

He said. "A proud flag flies over Juba and the world map was redrawn These symbols speak of the blood has been spilled, the tears flowed, the ballots that were cast, and hopes that was carried out by so many millions of people. "

But it does not mention the long-standing sanctions against Khartoum. Washington still lists Sudan as a state sponsor of terrorism.

In his speech at the ceremony of independence, Bashir said: "We congratulate our brothers in the south for the establishment of their new state, we share their joy and celebration the people's will must be respected in the south. .. "

He added: "We call on Barack Obama's commitment, he announced the lifting of unilateral sanctions against Sudan to open a way to normalize relations between his country and Sudan."

Obama said more work needed to be done, especially in disputed border regions of Abyei and Southern Kordofan.

British Prime Minister David Cameron issued a statement recognizing the Southern Sudan, saying: ". This is a historic day for South Sudan and the whole of Africa "