24 August 2012 – South Sudanese should stop fighting so that they could continue developing their new nation, President Salva Kiir said today in the Eastern Equatoria State capital of Torit.

"I urge you to maintain peace, peace among yourselves, among the tribes and peace with your neighbors," said the president, speaking at a celebration to mark Veterans' Day.

He urged people in the state who share borders with Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda to live in peace with their neighbor communities.

President Kirr also encouraged South Sudanese to avoid aggression against foreigners living among them. "You members of the security (forces) must observe that a foreigner is here under your protection."

Turning to the economy, he stressed that investment in the country must be encouraged. "We need to ensure food self-sufficiency and overall development."

The president praised veterans who had begun the uprising against Sudan's central government, pointing to the remarkable history they had to pass on to new generations. "We are proud of you," he said.

Eastern Equatoria Governor Louis Lobong Lojere said the day, which had brought the president to the state for the first time since independence, was special in a town where the first bullet against the oppressors had been fired.

Senior national government officials, members of parliament, state officials, representatives of the army and police, veterans from various states and Torit residents attended the celebration.

Veterans' Day, which was dedicated to South Sudanese who had lost their lives liberating the nation, would be celebrated next year in the Western Bahr El-Ghazal State capital of Wau, President Kiir said.