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ODM insists on international
mediator
Published on January 19, 2008, 12:00 am
EA STANDARD
By David Ohito
ODM has insisted it would only negotiate with President Kibaki’s
team through an international mediator.
The party also asked the Government to table their proposals to
facilitate fresh talks.
ODM said they would respect any team appointed by the Government,
but ruled out a face-to-face negotiation unless in a panel that
includes international eminent persons.
ODM leader, Mr Raila Odinga spoke after he and some leaders met a
team led by former Tanzanian President Mr Benjamin Mkapa at Serena
Hotel, yesterday.
Mkapa’s team includes former Presidents Mr Joaquim Chissano
(Mozambique) and Sir Ketumile Masire of Botswana.
"We are ready and committed to talks that can lead to peaceful
resolution of the post-election conflict," Raila said, after the
meeting.
He added: "Our stand is to engage in dialogue under the auspices
of an international mediator. We have talked to Mkapa and
presented our demands and he has promised to brief our rivals."
ODM also said it was changing its strategy after three consecutive
days of mass action that saw violent confrontation between police
and protesters countrywide.
However, the party did not specify what action it would take, but
Raila had earlier drummed up calls for stiffer sanctions from
donor countries.
"We cannot allow Kenya to go the Zimbabwe way. Donor countries
must take action soon and save Kenya from being a failed State,
with a failed leadership," Raila said.
Pentagon members Mr Musalia Mudavadi, Mr William Ruto and party
secretary general, Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o accompanied Raila at the
meeting.
The call on sanctions came as Kibaki appointed Vice-President, Mr
Kalonzo Musyoka to lead talks with the Opposition.
Ministers Ms Martha Karua (Justice and Constitutional Affairs), Mr
Amos Kimunya (Finance), Mr Ali Mwakwere (Transport), Mr Moses
Wetangula (Foreign Affairs) and Attorney General, Mr Amos Wako are
in the team.
But even as Kibaki named the team, suspicion and mistrust still
lingered over the talks.
Raila said his side has been waiting for negotiations and blamed
the Government of dragging its feet and pouring cold water on
international mediators.
Meanwhile, Kalonzo also met Mkapa’s team at his office in Jogoo
House, on Friday evening.
Kalonzo briefed the team on the Government’s efforts to restore
peace and disclosed plans of establishing a Truth and Justice
Commission.
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