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EU warns errant Kenyan politicians
2008-02-28 10:08:15
By Guardian Reporter
The European Union emphasized yesterday that a break through on an effective power sharing in Kenya must be found and warned that individuals obstructing the dialogue process will have to face the consequences.
A statement issued yesterday by France, which currently holds presidency of the Union and channeled through the country`s embassy in the country, said it fully supported the efforts being made by the Panel of Eminent African Personalities, led by Kofi Annan.
``Together with Kenya`s international partners, the Presidency strongly supports the efforts by the Panel of Eminent African Personalities, led by Kofi Annan, to engage Kenya`s leaders in a national dialogue in order to agree on a sustainable and consensual political solution to the crisis,`` read the statement, in part, adding:
The Presidency is therefore very concerned to learn that there remains a serious gap between the Kenyan parties, preventing them from reaching a final agreement.
At this critical stage in the dialogue, the Presidency strongly urges the parties to redouble their efforts to engage constructively in a spirit of compromise to secure a legitimate political settlement.``
In another statement yesterday, the European Union`s development and humanitarian aid commissioner, Louis Michel, expressed `utmost` concern following the announcement by former UN secretary-general, Kofi Anna that the talks between Kenyan parties had stalled.
``The country clearly stands at the crossroads. The people of Kenya crave for a political solution now in order to bring to an end the ongoing crisis and the unacceptable violence that have torn the country apart,`` he said.
On Tuesday, United States Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice warned Kenyan politicians that the US would act if the peace talks headed by former UN chief Kofi Annan broke down.
However, Rice fell short of being specific on the steps which her country would take.
Negotiations between President Kibaki`s government and the opposition headed by Raila Odinga are currently deadlocked over sharing of executive powers between President Kibaki and the person who will hold the proposed post of Prime Minister, namely Raila Odinga.
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