26 February 2008

Statement by Secretary Rice on Kenya’s Political Solution

Rice urges a political solution acceptable to the Kenyan people

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
February 26, 2008

Statement by United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
Kenya Political Solution

The United States is a strong friend and partner of Kenya.  Since the outset of the electoral crisis, we have urged a political solution acceptable to the Kenyan people.  The crescendo of peaceful voices continues to mount from a broad range of civil society organizations, churches, and directly from the Kenyan people on the need for a political solution. I join my voice to that of the Kenyan people.

Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and the eminent persons have been engaged in intensive efforts to help the parties achieve a solution. I strongly support those efforts. Last week President Kibaki and the Honorable Raila Odinga assured me of their commitment to work out a structure for the real sharing of power to govern the country. While some progress has been made, I am disappointed by the failure of leadership necessary to resolve all the remaining issues.  There can be no excuse for further delay. There can also be no excuse for violence, and those responsible must be held accountable.

Last week I conveyed to both sides the commitment of President Bush and the United States Government to support a political solution and to provide the additional assistance that Kenyans' will need to rebuild, to reconcile, and to carry out institutional reforms.

I want to emphasize that the future of our relationship with both sides and their legitimacy hinges on their cooperation to achieve this political solution. In that regard, we are exploring a wide range of possible actions. We will draw our own conclusions about who is responsible for lack of progress and take necessary steps. We will also exert leadership with the United Nations, the African Union, the European Union, and others to ensure that the political solution the Kenyan people deserve is achieved.

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(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)