VOA标准英语2013--进步中的南苏丹迎来独立两周年

 

进步中的南苏丹迎来独立两周年

Two years ago this summer the world’s newest nation was born, an independent South Sudan. July 9th, 2011 -- Independence Day – followed a historic peace agreement between groups seeking autonomy and the government of the Republic of Sudan that helped end decades of civil war. Celebrations in the capital, Juba, and elsewhere were filled with much excitement and hope for the future.

Since then, much has been done to create a stable and accountable government that can provide essential services for its people. Ministries¹ have been established, elections held and the parliament recently approved a measure to improve press freedom. Many challenges remain, however. Tensions over oil resources continue with Sudan, violence between rival groups in Jonglei State threatens stability, and humanitarian² needs are still great in several areas.

The United States has stood with the people of South Sudan for many years, and in helping³ mark the nation’s second anniversary we remain committed to that relationship. Secretary of State John Kerry, in his statement noting the anniversary, said that our country has an obligation to ensure that we have helped a free people give birth to a lasting⁴ and successful nation.

The vision that South Sudan laid out for itself two years ago requires a sustained commitment to democracy and good governance, justice and accountability, and respect for the rule of law and its citizens’ human rights. We support South Sudan’s efforts to institute governmental reform at all levels, resolve outstanding conflicts, promote economic growth and ensure peace and stability.

On the second anniversary of South Sudan’s independence, the journey begun in 2011 continues. We stand ready to help support economic prosperity and democratic governance in South Sudan for years to come.

1 ministries   

（政府的）部( ministry的名词复数 )； 神职； 牧师职位； 神职任期

参考例句：

• Local authorities must refer everything to the central ministries. 地方管理机构应请示中央主管部门。
• The number of Ministries has been pared down by a third. 部委的数量已经减少了1/3。

2 humanitarian   

n.人道主义者，博爱者，基督凡人论者

参考例句：

• She has many humanitarian interests and contributes a lot to them.她拥有很多慈善事业，并作了很大的贡献。
• The British government has now suspended humanitarian aid to the area.英国政府现已暂停对这一地区的人道主义援助。

3 helping   

n.食物的一份&adj.帮助人的，辅助的

参考例句：

• The poor children regularly pony up for a second helping of my hamburger. 那些可怜的孩子们总是要求我把我的汉堡包再给他们一份。
• By doing this, they may at times be helping to restore competition. 这样一来, 他在某些时候,有助于竞争的加强。

4 lasting   

adj.永久的，永恒的；vbl.持续，维持

参考例句：

• The lasting war debased the value of the dollar.持久的战争使美元贬值。
• We hope for a lasting settlement of all these troubles.我们希望这些纠纷能获得永久的解决。