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February 5, 2008

Kenya Crisis Negotiators Turn to Political Issues
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=1B27D45:A6F02AD83191E160618455FDB527E9C40531BB26A5003E7B& Former UN
Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who is mediating talks, says this phase
aimed at finding political solution to disputed December elections
Negotiations aimed at ending the crisis in Kenya are focusing on a
political solution to December's disputed elections that left nearly
1000 people dead and 300,000 homeless.  Correspondent Scott Bobb
reports from Nairobi that the talks resumed Tuesday after negotiators
agreed to end the violence and promote reconciliation.

Government and opposition negotiators in Kenya began talks on what are
seen as the most difficult issues behind the violence that has gripped
Kenya for more than one month.







Kofi AnnanFormer U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who is mediating
the talks, said this phase was aimed at finding a political solution
to the disputed December elections.

Violence broke out across Kenya after the opposition Orange Democratic
Movement of Raila Odinga said the results were rigged in order to give
a second term to President Mwai Kibaki.

A member of the government's negotiating team, Sam Ongeri, said the
ultimate goal of the talks is a return to normalcy.

"It must lead inevitably to the total security of our nation," Ongeri
said.  "Secondly it must lead toward reconciliation.  And thirdly the
country must move on."

A negotiator for the opposition, Moses Mudavadi, was more cautious.

"We are optimistic but let us just say it is (the process) just
starting," Mudavadi said.

Many pro-democracy groups want a new presidential vote.  But
negotiators have said a power-sharing solution would be the best way
to end the crisis that has torn society and threatened the once
vibrant Kenyan economy.  But both sides have rejected such an
arrangement.

Annan set a deadline of 15 days to reach agreement on the political
issues.







Luo families displaced by ethnic violence in the Rift Valley town of
Nakuru arrive near the western town of Kericho, 01 Feb 2008The two
sides agreed Monday to provide food and shelter to people displaced by
the violence and to help them return home safely.  They also agreed to
set up a truth and reconciliation commission similar to those set up
in other countries following periods of civil strife.

Annan had designated South African businessman Cyril Ramaphosa as his
chief mediator.  But Ramaphosa withdrew Monday after the Kenyan
government rejected his nomination.

The Red Cross says the toll from the violence has risen to about 1,000
dead and more than 300,000 displaced persons.

More than 70 people have been killed in the past several days, mostly
in clashes in western Kenya near the Ugandan border. 




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