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However, EC President Jose Manuel Barroso said any newly independent state would have to reapply for European membership "according to the rules".
BBC: Karel Schwarzenberg
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This presents a major challenge to the government of the newly independent state, which also faces cross-border tensions with its northern neighbour Sudan.
BBC: Jonglei clashes: South Sudan declares a disaster
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British colonial rule was almost gone: some newly independent countries kept the queen as head of state while others ditched her altogether in favor of a president.
CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS
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Newly independent republics, such as Iraq and Syria, opted for strong executives backed by pervasive policing, and state control of industry and the media.
ECONOMIST: Arabs tiptoe to democracy