Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who is observing the independence referendum in South Sudan, has said that the 60 percent-turnout threshold there for it to be valid has been achieved.
He also said he believes the vote will meet international standards.
Carter is heading an observer mission for week-long referendum which began on January 10.
The referendum is widely expected to result in South Sudan seceding from the North.
It was promised in a 2005 peace deal that ended decades of civil war between the mainly Musim North and the South where most follow Christianity or traditional beliefs.
compiled from agency reports
He also said he believes the vote will meet international standards.
Carter is heading an observer mission for week-long referendum which began on January 10.
The referendum is widely expected to result in South Sudan seceding from the North.
It was promised in a 2005 peace deal that ended decades of civil war between the mainly Musim North and the South where most follow Christianity or traditional beliefs.
compiled from agency reports