国际英语新闻：Millions vote for south Sudan's new chapter

At least nine civilians of Ngok Dinka people were killed in the past three days as Sudanese armed forces and militia attacked villages in Abyei, said Deng Mading, acting chairman of the Abyei Referendum Forum at a press conference in Juba on Sunday.

The attack aimed to disturb the referendum, he said, adding that the northern troops and the local police in Abyei were still fighting as of Sunday and the casualties could rise.

People in Abyei were promised a referendum, also on Jan. 9, on whether to join the north or south, but the plan was postponed, leaving both sides with a thorny task of settling the region's future status through negotiations.

"There is still time for Abyei," Mading said. "We call upon President Bashir and President Kiir to sit together and recommit themselves to the final resolution of Abyei which is provided for in the CPA."

A Christian voter, who gave his name as Karafino, said he just finished a 40-day fasting with hundreds of fellows before the eve of the referendum.

"We fasted for the referendum, and we pray for peace during and after the referendum," he said while waiting at a polling station. "There are so many tough issues ahead after we vote. We need wisdom and a good government to solve the problems and develop ourselves. May God bless us."