Annan suspends talks to end Kenya crisis | World News - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Annan suspends talks to end Kenya crisis

AP | By, Nairobi
Feb 27, 2008 12:11 PM IST

Annan said he will now speak to President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga personally to try to reinvigorate talks.

Talks to end Kenya's deadly post election crisis were suspended after dragging on for weeks with no tangible progress, mediator Kofi Annan said.

HT Image
HT Image

Annan, who delivered a sharp rebuke to both sides a day earlier, said on Tuesday he would now speak to President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga personally to try to reinvigorate talks. The two have been under international pressure to share power to move the country beyond their standoff over Dec 27 presidential elections.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

"I hope people will understand this is a move intended to speed up action," Annan said.

Odinga says the election was a sham; Kibaki says it made him the legitimate leader. International and local monitors say the results of the vote were manipulated, making it unclear who would have won.

Post election violence has largely subsided in recent weeks, but attacks that left more 1,000 dead and forced 600,000 from their homes have left the country on edge and worried about the potential for more turmoil. The bloodshed has tarnished the reputation of a country once seen as a beacon of stability in Africa.

Much of the post election violence has been ethnic, between supporters of Kibaki , a Kikuyu and western groups who rally to opposition leader Odinga, a Luo.

The suspension of talks came as international pressure mounted and the opposition threatened to resume nationwide protests this week. Previous protests have turned violent, with dozens killed as police forced back the crowds.

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice issued a statement earlier yesterday saying the delays were inexcusable. "There can also be no excuse for violence, and those responsible must be held accountable," she said.

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away! - Login Now!

Get Latest World News along with Latest News from India at Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On