Former UN Chief Suspends Kenyan Political Talks to Consult Leaders
By VOA News
26 February 2008
Former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan says talks between Kenya's government and opposition leaders aimed at ending a post-election political crisis have been suspended.
Mr. Annan is mediating the talks. He told reporters in Nairobi Tuesday he will speak to Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga to decide how to move forward with discussions on a power-sharing deal.
Earlier Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice criticized Kenyan leaders for failing to resolve the political crisis. In a written statement, Rice said there is no excuse for further delay, and she warned that the future of U.S.-Kenyan relations hinges on the ability of Kenyan leaders to reach a solution.
Rice said the U.S. will decide who is responsible for the lack of progress and take the necessary steps. She did not elaborate.
In a related development, African Union chairman and Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete travels to Nairobi Tuesday for talks with Kenya's feuding political leaders.
Last week, Kenya's rival factions agreed in principle to a power-sharing deal that would create the post of prime minister - a key opposition demand. But the government says it is not clear what the powers of the newly created post of prime minister would be, or how the government will share ministries with the opposition Orange Democratic Movement.
The opposition alleges that Kenyan President Kibaki's re-election in December was rigged. The violent aftermath killed at least 1,000 people.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
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