Ranneberger explains US stance on crisis
The United States has identified high profile personalities — both in Government and Opposition — who will be slapped with a visa ban soon on suspicions of fanning violence, The Standard has learnt. The ambassador to Kenya, Mr Michael Ranneberger, said the US Government would “shortly” contact the affected individuals who would face visa restrictions alongside their families. The envoy, however, declined to divulge the names of the individuals during an exclusive interview with The Standard at his Nairobi residence, on Monday. Should the US make good its threat, it would be joining Canada, which has since announced it would deny visas to individuals who undermine democracy and sabotage ongoing mediation efforts.
Ranneberger described news of the sidelining of South African negotiator, Mr Cyril Ramophosa, from the Kofi Annan-led mediation talks, as “unfortunate”, noting that Ramophosa was a “good and effective negotiator”.
But the diplomat said as a sign of goodwill the participation of any person in any mediation talks should be acceptable to both parties.
The following are excerpts of the interview:
What is your assessment of the political situation?
We are deeply concerned, particularly by the level of violence. What happened on December 30 (after announcement of presidential results) not only concerns results of the election but also revealed deep underlying problems that must be addressed as well.
There is serious concern whether leaders can come together to work out a solution acceptable to Kenyans.
Kenya is an important country to the US. Our relationship is founded on democratic principles. We want to see the country stable and encourage both sides to promote dialogue and support the Annan-led talks so that Kenya can emerge from the crisis a stronger democracy with stronger institutions.
You cannot apportion blame. Both leaders bear responsibility, perhaps of not having exerted leadership earlier enough. But we are assured that both leaders are committed to resolving the impasse.
What is your comment on the war of words between President Kibaki and ODM leader, Mr Raila Odinga?
In any negotiations, you are always going to have the private talks, which are more constructive. Then there are public statements of both sides trying to mobilise their supporters.
We urge both leaders to make public statements consistent with what they are doing in the talks. They should send a clear unequivocal message about the need to stop violence and work together to resolve issues that divide them and achieve national reconciliation. These public statements are of certain concern, but my understanding is that progress is being made in the talks and that’s what people should focus on.
Is US considering revoking visas of politicians linked to the on-going violence?
A week ago, I stated that any perpetrator, supporting or inciting violence, and their families, would not be issued visas.
We will certainly be in touch with a number of individuals to tell them that they may be affected by that (directive).
We have taken the lead on that and it is important that Kenyans know that people who do not co-operate to achieve peace and those responsible for violence will not be viewed positively (by US).
Who are these people?
We have identified a number of people that could potentially be subject to these visa restrictions. Obviously I’m not going to disclose names but suffice it to say that the people in question are from both sides. These are, however, cases being reviewed. Those who jeopardise talks will also be considered.
What about reports that the US senate’s foreign relations committee is due on Thursday to discuss the Kenyan crisis?
In fact, it is both the House of Representatives and Senate. Both hearings reflect the serious level of concern that the crisis has generated. The hearings are positive signals that the US is concerned and wants to help.
Is Vice President, Mr Kalonzo Musyoka’s scheduled visit to the US linked to the discussion?
No, the Vice President is traveling on his own initiative. We did not invite him. He is going to attend the national prayer breakfast meeting. I’m sure he is going to do other things. This is not an official invitation from the US Government.
The Kenya/US relationship is worth $2 billion in trade, remittances and aid. We want peace with truth and justice.
If the country is not stable, that partnership will be affected. At this point, it is important to give dialogue a chance, although politicians have rapidly resumed their war of words.
Ramophosa’s involvement in talks has been questioned. What do you say?
It is unfortunate, because he is a good and effective negotiator. We have respect for Kofi Annan and the talks he is spearheading. Ramophosa is credible too, I don’t know why the Government rejected his involvement. But it is important that any mediator is acceptable to both parties for talks to succeed.
Why are statements by US diplomat, Dr Jendayi Frazer, and the State Department over the crisis conflicting?
The violence is complex. We have to look at it from two sides; one was spontaneous but part of it was organised. There was an organised effort to move certain commonalties from land they had occupied. The point is not the term used but what happened.
Raila claims the US is among the countries pushing his quest for the presidency. Is this true?
We are not supporting anyone. In fact, we stated ahead of the elections that we would remain neutral with respect to the candidates, but not the process. We, however, condemned the electoral process, particularly the tallying of the presidential vote that was deeply flawed.
Dr Frazer reportedly said if Kenyans did not resolve the crisis the international community would provide a solution. How is this possible?
If a solution to the crisis is not found, the problem will inevitably become of more concern to the international community. The UN Security Council and the AU will become more involved because Kenya is too important to be left to destroy itself. But we are confident that Kenyans will resolve the crisis.
The US says it supports institutions and Kibaki has instructed the Opposition to take the dispute in court. What’s should happen?
We respected the ECK’s announcement of the winner because the law mandates it. But the ECK is an institution and tallying was flawed, hence the need for a political solution. Even though the Government has urged those disputing results to go to court, everyone knows the courts’ credibility is questionable and all petitions have taken too much time to be resolved.
What do you take of the recent murder of the two Opposition MPs?
Certain elements have not been satisfactorily explained. Within hours of each murders, we (US) offered the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigations to work with Kenyan authorities to probe the cases.
Although I have formally notified the Government, it has still not responded to our offer.
Was the post-election violence premeditated?
A lot of violence was planned and organised. But it would have occurred, no matter who won, because it took the dimension of land disputes. Certain people incited others. There needs to be impartial investigation. We should also ask leaders and the media to shun hate speeches. Kenyans have lived together for long and are ready to end the violence.
East African Standard
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