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EU Warns of Sanctions If Talks
Fail
The East African Standard (Nairobi)
15 February 2008
Robert Nyasato And Morton Saulo
Nairobi
The European Union (EU) has warned that it could sever trade and
bilateral links with Kenya if political leaders do not move fast
to resolve the political crisis.
The union's head of political and trade section in the country, Mr
Harvey Rouse, said investors and tourists' confidence had greatly
been eroded by the post-election crisis.
"The electoral process had a negative impact on the country. Until
there is a willingness in the two opposing factions to work things
out together, it will not be business as usual as regards EU
member countries," Rouse warned.
He acknowledged that Kenya was a fast growing economic powerhouse
in Africa that had just begun finding its footing in the global
economic equation.
But he regretted that the post-election chaos had watered down the
economic achievements.
Rouse's remarks come in the wake of last month's comments by
United States Ambassador to Kenya, Michael Ranneberger, who also
stated that it would no longer be business as usual between USA
and Kenya. British High Commissioner to Kenya, Mr Adam Wood, was
quoted as saying that his government did not recognise President
Kibaki.
Rouse was speaking on Thursday when he paid the Kisii DC, Mr
Njoroge Ndirangu, a courtesy call in his office.
Meanwhile, the Chinese Government has said it will not change its
policy on Kenya.
Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, Mr Zhang Ming, said his country
preferred not to interference in the internal affairs of sovereign
countries.
"My country has a non-interference foreign policy, which means we
do not interfere with foreign countries' activities," Ming said.
He said his Government would continue to undertake projects it had
initiated with the Government and the people of Kenya.
He made the statement at a time the US, Canada, Switzerland and
the United Kingdom are exerting pressure on the Government and the
Opposition to reach a settlement out of the political stalemate.
Ming expressed concern over the derailment of road construction
projects as a result of post-election violence.
The envoy, however, clarified that his country was concerned about
the current state of the country.
"My people are concerned with what has happened to Kenyans and
hope a solution will be found," he said.
He added, "Kenyans deserve peace and stability for development and
economic growth."
The ambassador was speaking to the Press on Thursday upon donating
Sh1.7 million for the construction of bio centre project for
Huruma village on the fringes of Karura forest.
The project is aimed at producing biogas, which will serve as
energy for the locals.
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