KHARTOUM, Jan 9 (Reuters) - As southern Sudanese begin their historic vote on independence from the north they have fought for decades, here are some opinions on the plebiscite.
SOUTHERN VOTERS
Mary Gordon Muortat, works in the south Sudan government.
"I feel very emotional because I am not only voting for myself but for my father who died two years ago. He wanted to vote but he died before he could. He lived half his life in exile and fought for the cause of south Sudan. I am trying to compose myself but I can't, I keep breaking down."
David Charles, 45, born in the south. A former diplomat who sought asylum in France.
"It's like seeing the sun going from west to east -- it's a miracle."
Mayor Deng, 52, southern fighter for ex-rebel SPLA.
"I feel very happy because I shall vote for separation so I will not fight again. This is the last of my fighting today."
INTERNATIONAL
U.S. President Barack Obama.
"In the days ahead, leaders from north and south will need to work together to prevent violence and ensure that isolated incidents do not spiral into wider instability. Under no circumstance should any side use proxy forces in an effort to gain an advantage while we wait for the final results.
Ex-U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
"There is enough in history to tell us that enmity between people need not last forever. Bitter enemies have made peace, and today in many parts of the world live together peacefully, it can and should also happen here in Sudan."
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter.
"In the last few days the chances of conflict after the vote has been greatly lessened. Now there is a general acceptance in the north and south that if a vote for independence should be cast --we don't know yet -- then it will be accepted peacefully."
Actor George Clooney.
"My level of optimism is very high right now ... A hundred days ago the Security Council was here and I met with all of them. There wasn't one that thought that this government could pull together an election on time. It is a real testament to how (South Sudan President) Salva Kiir has handled this."
NORTHENERS
Al-Baqir al-Afifi, civil society leader.
"I am feeling dismayed but also I am feeling that I am part of a big historical moment that Sudan will never be the same again. I am happy for the southerners to achieve their aspirations and beliefs but I am sad to witness the south go and I hope the outcome is going to be positive for all."
Abdelrahim Abdelmajid, 32, businessman.
"It is a pity to see a big chunk of Sudan go definitely but you have to be realistic, there has to be a choice and if it leads to peace so be it. We'd rather have two brothers that are in good relations than two brothers that are hostile."
Sara Nuqdullah, opposition Umma Party official, who broke down in tears.
"We feel an incredible sadness that a ... very loved part of Sudan will separate from us but we know that this is their right. They have a historic task ahead of them ... but for us it is very painful as if a part of our body has been removed. All of us, northerners and southerners, we are Sudanese and we hope that in the future we can leave the years of bitterness behind us and start again as one nation on a new basis."
SOUTHERNERS LIVING IN THE NORTH
Taj, 44, from Central Equatoria state, lives in the north.
"I work in the government but I don't know what my future will be after the referendum - no one has told us if we will lose our jobs. I am scared because I spent my entire life as a soldier in the army in the north -- what will happen to me if the south secedes? Will they take away my nationality? No one is looking out for us."
Angelo Dawut, 45, from Warrap state, living in Khartoum.
"The northern government has failed to make unity attractive -- had they built roads, hospitals and schools in the south then maybe there'd be a chance for unity but they didn't do that so the south will go."
Daniel Garang, 28, southerner living in Khartoum.
"I stay here with no work, no education, no future -- now we have this great chance for separation and no one can force us to vote for unity -- we will never come back." (Reporting by Khaled Abdelaziz and Opheera McDoom in Khartoum, Jason Benham and Jeremy Clarke in Juba; editing by Myra MacDonald)
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
