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Statement by Commissioner Michel
on the political situation in Kenya
By Commission Européenne (Commission Européenne)
February 27, 08 at 15:24
European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Louis
Michel expressed his utmost concern following the announcement by
former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan that the talks between the
Kenyan parties had stalled.
Commissioner Michel said: "The country clearly stands at the
crossroads. The people of Kenya crave for a political solution now
in order to bring to an end the ongoing crisis and the
unacceptable violence that have torn the country apart. I am
strongly concerned that the Kenyan leaders still have not
delivered on their commitment to reaching agreement on the real
sharing of power and reforms needed to effectively govern Kenya. I
therefore urge the Kenyan leaders to take the full measure of
their responsibilities before their nation and demonstrate the
leadership needed to live up to the situation and get to an
agreement. They cannot falter. There is no alternative to a
political solution of this kind. I want to recall that the EU is
ready to assist and help all those pushing for a solution but that
individuals, who obstruct the National Dialogue process or who
encourage violence will have to face the consequences. The
European Union is determined to take all appropriate measures and
all options are being considered."
The EU as a whole fully supports the vital work undertaken by the
Panel of Eminent personalities led by former UN Secretary General
Kofi Annan. As a key friend and partner of Kenya the European
Union has been constantly engaged since the beginning of the
crisis in the search for a sustainable and consensual political
solution to the crisis. Commissioner Michel has been twice to
Nairobi in the last weeks in support of Mr Annan's work and to
engage Kenyan leaders in genuine dialogue.
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