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Annan: “We’ve reached far on
political issues”
Story by NATION Reporter
08. 02. 2008
Mediator Kofi Annan says talks to resolve Kenya’s political crisis
“have reached far” but details can only emerge early next week.
The former UN secretary general met President Kibaki and ODM
leader Raila Odinga for nearly an hour before returning to the
base of talks at Serena Hotel where he addressed the Press.
Mr Annan met the two leaders at President Kibaki’s Harambee House
office.
After their meeting, both President Kibaki and Mr Odinga retreated
to separate meetings with their representatives, with the
President staying at Harambee House while the ODM team moved to
their party headquarters.
Mr Annan said a meeting of all Members of Parliament, commonly
known as the Speaker’s ‘Kamukunji’ will likely be convened to
brief the legislators on progress of the talks.
However, The Associated Press has quoted ODM negotiator William
Ruto saying that they had agreed to a power sharing arrangement.
"We have finally agreed there is a problem in the country and
neither side can proceed on its own," Rutto told The Associated
Press. "We have agreed to form a joint government. Details of that
government, its time and how to share it are under discussions."
Representatives from the Government and the Orange Democratic
Movement have in the last three days been tackling political
issues that are believed to be crucial to resolving the political
impasse following the disputed December 27 presidential election.
Mr Annan is chairing a panel of eminent Africans that include
former Tanzanian president Benjamin Mkapa and former South African
first lady Graca Machel.
The three are leading mediation efforts where President Kibaki is
represented by Justice Minister Martha Karua, Foreign Affairs
minister Moses Wetangula, Education minister Sam Ongeri and Mbooni
MP Mutula Kilonzo. Mr Odinga is represented by former
Vice-President Musalia Mudavadi, Eldoret North MP William Ruto,
Aldai MP Sally Kosgei and Ugenya MP James Orengo.
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