AU Monitor

AU Chairperson Optimistic about Kenya

(PANA) - Visiting African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Jean Ping Friday expressed optimism that a power-sharing deal to end Kenya’s post-ele c tion chaos is just within reach.

He said "We are optimistic a deal to end the crisis could be reached within days . The opposition and the government side have agreed on the creation of the post
of Prime Minister."

Ping, who spoke after holding talks with President Mwai Kibaki and opposition re presentatives, said he was sure a solution to end the post-election crisis could be reached within a matter of days.

Ping, who has resigned as Gabon’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, ma de his first official visit as the AU Commission’s new head.

"I have the impression we are moving. The weekend will be crucial. It (agreement ) might be today, I am not the mediator, but according to what I have heard, we a re moving in the right direction," he said.

He said there was no cause for worry about missed deadlines to sign an immediate agreement to end the political crisis; "even if the timetable is not kept, prov i ded we are moving towards a good direction."

"We are here as the mediator. The solutions will come from the Kenyans. People a re discussing the issue of resolving the political issues," he said.

The AU chief has declined to proffer a possible compromise deal that might help to end the crisis, saying the AU must remain impartial.

"They (mediators) are now tackling the most crucial issue (Prime Minister). We j ust got started a month ago and in resolving conflicts, this is a record period t o discuss a settlement in Africa," he said.

Former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan is leading the talks on behalf of the con tinental body.

Ping said he held ‘warm consultative meetings’ with Annan Thursday and was pleas ed with the progress made.

"I am pleased to report that we are satisfied with the progress made on Kenya Na tional Dialogue and Reconstruction," he said. "I wish to thank the international community for rallying behind the AU mediation effort and appeal for continued s u pport especially in the social and economic reconstruction of Kenya."

Ping outlined the agenda of the talks, which has covered immediate steps to stop bloodshed which claimed the lives of 1,000 Kenyans.

"I am confident the team of mediators will succeed. I want to say we are here to give the full support of the team. The agenda of the talks has been agreed with
a four-point objective," he said.

The parties have agreed on the first and second items on the agenda. The third i s under consideration. "I think the weekend will be crucial. We hope something w o uld be agreed," Ping said.

Posted by on 02/22 at 08:30 PM

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