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Rice’s statement on mediation
talks
February 27, 2008
EA STANDARD
The following is a statement by US Secretary of State, Ms
Condoleezza Rice, on the mediation talks:
"The United States is a strong friend and partner of Kenya. Since
the outset of the electoral crisis, we have urged a political
solution acceptable to the Kenyan people.
The crescendo of peaceful voices continues to mount from a broad
range of civil society organisations, churches and directly from
the Kenyan people on the need for a political solution. I join my
voice to that of the Kenyan people.
Former UN Secretary-General, Dr Kofi Annan, and the eminent
persons have been engaged in intensive efforts to help the parties
achieve a solution. I strongly support those efforts.
Last week, President Kibaki and Mr Raila Odinga assured me of
their commitment to work out a structure for real sharing of power
to govern the country.
While some progress has been made, I am disappointed by the
failure of leadership necessary to resolve the remaining issues.
There can be no excuse for further delay. There can also be no
excuse for violence, and those responsible must be held
accountable.
Last week, I conveyed to both sides the commitment of President
Bush and the US government to support a political solution and to
provide additional assistance that Kenyans will need to rebuild,
reconcile and carry out institutional reforms.I want to emphasise
that the future of our relationship with both sides and their
legitimacy hinges on their cooperation to achieve the political
solution. In that regard, we are exploring a wide range of
possible actions. We will draw our own conclusions about who is
responsible for lack of progress and take necessary steps. We will
also exert leadership with the UN, African Union, European Union
and others to ensure that the political solution the Kenyan people
deserve is achieved."
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