Cautious praise for South Sudan

South Sudan is lauded for its ability to strengthen its fledgling government though key challenges to peace remain, a U.N. special envoy declared. Hilde Johnson, U.N. special envoy to South Sudan, said during a news conference at U.N. headquarters that Juba, since gaining independence in July, has made great strides in establishing a representative government. "Of course there is much to be done to strengthen and develop these democratic institutions but it is important to acknowledge that these have been put in place," she said. South Sudanese President Salva Kiir, in an address to the U.N. General Assembly earlier this year, said he was determined to build a strong and vibrant South Sudan that would live in peace and harmony with its neighbors. Johnson added that, with ethnic clashes erupting in parts of the country, a comprehensive effort was needed to maintain stability. U.N. peacekeepers have deployed to Jonglei state to defuse tensions. South Sudan became an independent country in July as part of a 2005 peace agreement. Oil revenue and border clashes are problematic, however, and allegations of ethnic killings have been lodged against both sides.