BRUSSELS -- The European Union on Sunday expressed its great satisfaction with the successful conclusion of the referendum in southern Sudan.

In a statement, EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton hailed the referendum as  "a historic event and a major milestone."

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"I commend both Sudanese parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), for their leadership and for their pledges that the safety and security of all peoples in Sudan will be respected throughout this process," said Ashton.

"I also commend the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission and the South Sudan Referendum Bureau for their efforts to make this referendum happen despite numerous challenges,"  she added.

Regarding the recent clashes in the Abyei area, the EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy called upon the Sudanese parties to maintain calm and resolve this issue through peaceful dialogue.
Meanwhile, Jerzy Buzek, president of the European Parliament, also praised the referendum as "a success."