After a UN Security Council resolution on Wednesday recommended the country for membership, the UN General Assembly in New York voted by acclamation to admit South Sudan. .
“Welcome, South Sudan. Welcome to the community of nations,” United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said to joyous applause .
UN Assembly President Joseph Deiss said it was a “historic and joyous moment.”
US Ambassador to the United Nations Dr. Susan Rice stated that "South Sudan has taken its rightful place among the community of sovereign nations after great suffering and unimaginable loss."
South Sudan Vice President Riek Machar vowed his country will be a responsible member of the international community and respect its obligations under international law.
It is the first new nation admitted into the United Nations since Montenegro joined in 2006.