Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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January 7, 2008

Kenya's Opposition Cancels Street Protests to Give Mediation a Chance
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=1AD3F1B:A6F02AD83191E160DF2A14DB5F539138A13B8D4F2090AB2B& Opposition leader
Raila Odinga meets with US Assistant Secretary of State for African
Affairs Jendayi Frazer to discuss negotiation process to help end
political crisis





Raila Odinga, right, shakes hands with Jendayi Frazer, left, following
their meeting, in Nairobi, 07 Jan 2008

Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga has canceled plans to hold more
street protests this week, saying he wants to give mediation a chance.

His decision Monday comes as the government announced that violence
following the country's December elections has already claimed nearly
500 lives.

Mr. Odinga met today with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for
African Affairs Jendayi Frazer to discuss a negotiation process to
help end his country's political crisis.

Meanwhile, Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki said he would convene a new
session of parliament on January 15th.

Mr. Odinga has accused Mr. Kibaki of stealing the vote.  The
opposition leader has said there would be no direct negotiations.  But
on Sunday, Mr. Odinga said he is willing to talk as long as
international mediators are involved in the process.

Leaders of Mr. Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement opposition party
have called for new elections. The government of Mr. Kibaki says it
will accept that proposal, but only if a court orders a new vote.

As the international community urges the country's two top political
parties to work out their differences, it is also reaching out to
Kenya with aid to help it recover.

The U.N. refugee agency has said it will step up its assistance to
those displaced in Kenya by the violence. 

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




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