IP/08/191
Brussels, 6 February 2008
Commissioner Michel seeks progress in Kenyan talks Louis Michel, European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, is en route for Kenya to offer EU support to facilitation efforts being led by Kofi Annan. Commissioner Michel, speaking on his way to Kenya, stressed the importance of progress in talks between President Mwai Kibaki and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga in the coming days.
Commissioner Michel said: "There is a strong expectation on the part of the EU that the Kenyan leaders reach a political agreement on the way out of this crisis. Each passing day brings more violence, more unrest, more suffering and more economic distress. As a partner and friend of Kenya, the EU stands ready to support a political solution. The region, Africa as a whole and the EU need a democratic, stable and strong Kenya. The European Union fully supports the vital work undertaken by the Panel of Eminent personalities under the leadership of former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and I am going to Nairobi to support the dialogue process which is at a critical juncture. We trust a decisive political breakthrough can be achieved in the coming days and look forward to continuing our close and mutually beneficial relations with Kenya on this basis."
