Israel welcomes South Sudan independence, offers economic aid

[oberliner]

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that the Jewish state recognises South Sudan and wished the world's newest nation "much success."

"Yesterday, a new state was born, South Sudan. I hereby announce that Israel recognises the Republic of South Sudan," he said. "We wish it much success."

He called the new nation a "peace-seeking country" and said Israel "would be pleased to cooperate with it in order to ensure its development and its prosperity."

Netanyahu's statement suggested the Jewish state would seek to establish diplomatic ties with the government in Juba. Israel does not have diplomatic relations with Sudan, and has accused Khartoum of serving as a base for militants from the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas.

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/16026/World/Region/Israel-welcomes-South-Sudan-independence,-offers-e.aspx