AP Soundbite
AMBASSADOR RICE: We will contribute in a variety of ways in support of the government and the people's request; and we look forward to a robust and long term partnership with South Sudan. It is our interest and that of the international community that there be two viable states; a viable newborn South Sudan and a viable Sudan in the north that are cooperative and have friendly and mutually beneficial relations.
AMBASSADOR RICE: The withdrawal ought to be immediate, unconditional, and complete; and that remains the position of the Security Council, the international community, and certainly my government as well. What has transpired is a grave risk to peace and stability to the ability to resolve these issues. It is a very serious violation to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. We are hopeful that efforts to effect that withdrawal and put in place viable and lasting security arrangements can be accomplished very quickly.
