British-US call for end to Kenya violence
- 00:01:37
- ITN
British-US call for end to Kenya violence
Britain and the US have issued a joint statement calling for an end to post-election violence which has killed nearly 300 people in Kenya.Foreign Secretary David Miliband and US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice pledged the support of "diplomatic and political efforts" as efforts continue to secure a peaceful resolution in the east African country.At least 270 people have been killed in recent days - including 50 who were burnt to death when a church was torched by a mob on Tuesday - after President Mwai Kibaki was sworn in on Sunday in what opponents said was a rigged election.As Britons holidaying in Kenya were warned to stay indoors, a joint British-US statement was released which said: "We have closely followed the events in Kenya over the last 48 hours."We congratulate the Kenyan people on their commitment to democracy. However, there are independent reports of serious irregularities in the counting process."The immediate priority is to combine a sustained call from Kenya's political leaders for the cessation of violence by their followers with an intensive political and legal process that can build a united and peaceful future for Kenya."It continued: "In that context, we welcome the call by the African Union for the parties to end the violence; we call on all political leaders to engage in a spirit of compromise that puts the democratic interests of Kenya first; we applaud the commitment of the EU and Commonwealth as well as the AU to stay engaged at this important moment for democracy in Africa; and we pledge the diplomatic and political efforts of our two countries to support reconciliation and national unity at this vital time for Kenya and the region."Meanwhile, however, President Kibaki's government has accused opposition leader Raila Odinga of total responsibility for the explosion of tribal violence.And adding to the chaos, the head of Kenya's electoral commission, Samuel Kivuitu, was quoted as saying he did not know whether Mr Kibaki had won the presidential poll.African Union chairman John Kufuor is due in Kenya later to try and start what Prime Minister Gordon Brown has called a process of dialogue and reconciliation.Mr Brown has said he is "gravely concerned" about the situation which has forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes.He has appealed for international support to help promote reconciliation after talking to President Kibaki and Mr Odinga.In a statement about Mr Kufuor's visit, Mr Brown said: "This offers an opportunity to stop the violence and to help Kenyans unite. Presidents Kufuor and Kabbah have my unstinting support in this essential task."© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.
ITN | January 2, 2008
