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Rice visit to Kenya 'welcome'
Al Jazeera
15. 02. 2008
Raila Odinga, Kenya's opposition Orange Democratic Movement leader,
has said that the US secretary of state's forthcoming visit to the
country is a positive move to help restore peace.
Salim Lone, a spokesman for Odinga, said on Friday that his party
"welcomes the decision… to assist in the full restoration of
democracy" and end post-election violence.
US President George Bush announced Condoleeza Rice's visit on
Thursday.
In a visit to UN headquarters in New York, Lone said: "The
Americans have been so waffly about the election outcome, that
this decision today by the president is a very welcome development.
"Free and fair elections are at the core of democratic practice,
and we are greatly encouraged by the US determination to take the
lead.''
Bush wants Rice to demand an immediate end to fighting in the East
African nation.
Violence since the disputed December 27 elections has led to the
deaths of more than 1,000 people and displaced 300,000.
Lone said the move showed the recognition that "international
pressure is essential" to ensure a peaceful resolution.
'Constitution rewrite'
Rice is expected to assist peace negotiations currently being
mediated by Kofi Annan, the former UN secretary general.
Rice will talk to Mwai Kibaki, Kenya's president, Odinga, and
possibly civil society leaders.
Bush and Rice begin a visit to Africa on Friday.
A spokesman for Annan said on Thursday that an agreement to
rewrite the constitution had been made.
This includes a power-sharing deal between the parties.
Government negotiator Mutula Kilonzo said: "The two parties agreed
to write a new constitution."
This was not confirmed by the opposition.
Lone said: "We should not be fooled by the current relative calm
to believe that peace is around the corner.
"Already we can see that the government has consistently tried to
undermine the negotiations on this core issue and even if Mr Annan
succeeds in forging a settlement, the world will have to be very
vigilant in insuring the government implements it.
"But the key issue was and is remains today: the stolen election
and the need to share power to overcome the anger amongst Kenyans.
Maximum pressure needs to be put on the government to insure that
an agreement on power-sharing is reached quickly."
Talks have been adjourned until Monday, but an announcement on the
deal is expected at 5pm (1400GMT) on Friday.
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