Britain states its stand on Kenya
The British Government has denied claims that it does not recognise President Kibaki and his Government. British Minister for African Affairs, Mr Mark Malloch-Brown, said his Government respects Kenya and has never at any one time said it does not recognise Kibaki and his Government, adding that Britain remains a great friend of Kenya.
Speaking today at State House, Nairobi, after delivering special greetings to Kibaki from British Prime Minister, Mr Gordon Brown, Mr Malloch-Brown said the British Government was impartial in the political impasse in the country. Malloch-Brown also conveyed the British Government’s donation of £1 million (Sh135m) towards the resettlement of those affected by the violence. President Kibaki welcomed the clarification from the British Government, saying Kenya was surprised by earlier reports that had alleged an unfavourable stand against the Government by Britain.
But when contacted, the British High Commission Head of Press and Public Affairs, Ms Charley William, said: “The issue of recognition was not discussed by either side during Malloch-Brown’s visit to State House on Monday. The British Government’s stand on the election is very clear”. Williams said Britain recognises states, not governments.
East African Standard
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