The assembly vote, by acclamation, followed South Sudan's independence proclamation in the capital Juba on Saturday, after its people voted in a January referendum to break away from Sudan -- a decision accepted by Khartoum.

"Welcome, South Sudan. Welcome to the community of nations," UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said. Assembly President Joseph Deiss said it was a "historic and joyous moment."

The South Sudan flag -- black, red and green stripes, overlaid with a blue triangle and gold star -- was later hoisted outside UN headquarters in New York.

The new country will be one of the world's poorest and inherit a string of disputes with Khartoum. But representatives of the two countries pledged on Thursday to put the past behind them and resolve outstanding issues peacefully.     

Reuters