Minister for Foreign Affairs Welcomes Peace Deal in Kenya

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Dermot Ahern, T.D., today warmly welcomed the conclusion of a peace deal between the Kenyan government and opposition, following over a month of mediation talks led by the former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan.

“This is an important and potentially historic agreement which will hopefully bring to an end the ethnic conflict and strife which Kenya has experienced in the two months since its disputed presidential elections.”

“I want to commend both President Kibaki and the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement, Mr. Raila Odinga, for their willingness to compromise and agree to a coalition government which can govern in the interests of all Kenyans. I also want to pay particular tribute to Kofi Annan and his team whose commitment to achieving a political resolution of the current crisis has been exemplary.”

Minister Ahern concluded by stating: “Swift and full implementation of this deal will now be critical to addressing both the immediate and more long-term problems which have contributed to the recent violence in Kenya. Ireland was pleased to be able to contribute financially to the negotiations and nationally and through the EU we will continue to do all we can to assist Kenya in these efforts.”

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Press
28/2/08