Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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February 26, 2008

Former UN Chief Suspends Kenyan Political Talks to Consult Leaders
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=1B5CBDC:A6F02AD83191E160215977DB3BFC00F30531BB26A5003E7B& Kofi Annan says he
will speak to Kenyan president and opposition leader to decide how to
move forward with discussions on power-sharing deal





Kofi Annan announces suspension of negotiations on post-election
crisis at a news conference in Nairobi, Kenya, 26 Feb 2008Former
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan says talks between Kenya's
government and opposition leaders aimed at ending a post-election
political crisis have been suspended.

Mr. Annan is mediating the talks. He told reporters in Nairobi Tuesday
he will speak to Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader
Raila Odinga to decide how to move forward with discussions on a
power-sharing deal.

Earlier Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice criticized
Kenyan leaders for failing to resolve the political crisis. In a
written statement, Rice said there is no excuse for further delay, and
she warned that the future of U.S.-Kenyan relations hinges on the
ability of Kenyan leaders to reach a solution.

Rice said the U.S. will decide who is responsible for the lack of
progress and take the necessary steps. She did not elaborate.

In a related development, African Union chairman and Tanzanian
President Jakaya Kikwete travels to Nairobi Tuesday for talks with
Kenya's feuding political leaders.

Last week, Kenya's rival factions agreed in principle to a
power-sharing deal that would create the post of prime minister - a
key opposition demand. But the government says it is not clear what
the powers of the newly created post of prime minister would be, or
how the government will share ministries with the opposition Orange
Democratic Movement.

The opposition alleges that Kenyan President Kibaki's re-election in
December was rigged. The violent aftermath killed at least 1,000
people.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.








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