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PNU denies reaching deal with
ODM
AfricaNews
Evans Wafula, AfricaNews reporter in Nairobi, Kenya
Monday 25 February 2008
The ruling party for National Unity (PNU has denied the previously
announced conclusion of a power-sharing deal with the opposition
Orange democratic Party (ODM).
In a hurriedly convened press conference, PNU team led by Justice
and Constitution Affairs minister Martha Karua announced that they
had agreed on any deal with the ODM side and dismissed media
reports that the two groups had agreed to share power.
The Kofi Annan-led mediation efforts Monday experienced
difficulties after members of the ruling PNU and ODM failed to
agree on a number of issues.
"We have not agreed on anything and it is misleading for the media
to indicate that we are about to enter into a power-sharing deal
with ODM", Karuua said on Sunday.
ODM leader Raila Odinga seemed to have thrown his weight behind
his team after he twice met with Kofi Annan at Serena Hotel, the
venue of the fragile talks.
Kofi Annan then proceeded to met with President Mwai Kibaki at
State house in what appeared his last attempt to salvage the talks.
The mediation process has received overwhelming support from the
international community with both the UN, EU and the US expressing
their solidarity with the former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.
Analysts have warned that failure of the talks would result in
more violence and a possible collapse of the country. In a recent
report published by the International Crisis Group, both PNU and
ODM were accused of arming militia in preparation for more
violence if the talks collapse.
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