South Sudanese leader urges forgiveness for civil war

The South Sudanese leader has urged his people to forgive the north for killings during a civil war that lasted more than 20 years.

Salva Kiir made the appeal from the pulpit of a Catholic Cathedral in Juba.

Early results from Southern Sudan's referendum indicate the region has voted overwhelmingly to split from the north and form a new country.

Full results of the poll are not due until next month, but the region is widely expected to choose to secede.

"For our deceased brothers and sisters, particularly those who have fallen during the time of struggle, may God bless them with eternal peace," Mr Kiir said on Sunday, in his first public address since the vote.

"And may we, like Jesus Christ on the cross, forgive those who have forcefully caused their deaths."

An estimated two million people died in the war between the mainly Muslim north and the largely Christian south.

The referendum was part of a peace agreement signed with north Sudan in 2005.

Correspondents say there has been little doubt that Southern Sudan would opt for secession.

Polling stations opened on 9 January and were officially closed on Saturday evening.