Into the future: will north and south Sudan work toward a peaceful future?

The autonomous region of Southern Sudan came about in January 2005 after the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the north and the south. By October, ministries were emerging and key positions had been appointed. Six years later, Southern Sudan has found a new development path and if the region secedes from the north to become another country, economic development and state systems challenges lie ahead. But Southern Sudan is still a developing country. That is why maintaining a long-term peaceful and stable international environment is so important.

It is clear for both domestic needs and international responsibility, Sudan (both north and south) will need to work toward development and cooperation, an independent foreign policy, and a diplomatic vision of upholding world peace. All countries, existing and new, strong and weak, rich and poor, should respect the rights of their people to independently choose their own development path. All should strive for international and regional security and peaceful settlements of international disputes.

Enduring peace and common prosperity will be the defining features of both the north and the south as they uphold the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, abide by international and universal human rights and international relations, and embrace the spirit of democracy. Mutual respect, equality, dialogue and cooperation with trust will be required to meet common regional and global challenges.

Sudan (both north and south) deserve a peaceful and prosperous future.

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2016 update on Rike Park, Tbilisi: from construction to busy park

From a flat patch of uninteresting dirt, Rike Park in Tbilisi, Georgia, has transformed in four years (from 2014-2016) into a busy park full of trees, flower beds, sculptures, fountains, and events. Rike (Rikhe) Park is on the left bank of the Mt’k’vari River (the Kura River) near the Old City of Tbilisi. The Peace Bridge links the right bank to Rike Park. Rike Park is below the hillside Presidential Palace and, via cable car, it is the starting point for the ride to Sololaki Ridge (with the Narikala Fortress and the Mother of Georgia statue). The glass box-shaped cable car terminus was opened on 23 June 2012, and since then the park has continually developed into a ‘people’s park’ where people can walk around, eat at the nearby restaurants, sit next to the statue of American president Ronald Reagan, climb the steps to Avlabari district, and access the sights of Meidan Square, the Peace Bridge, the Metekhi Church, the Old City, the waterfall, the sulphur baths, and t...

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