McKinnon urges Kenya’s leaders to finalise political settlement
20 February 2008
“There has been good progress and agreement on the reforms needed, and the violence has abated. These are the positives. There is also a roadmap, but there is also still some distance to go, and the humanitarian situation remains of concern. The final deal-maker is how a government is to be formed to shepherd through the necessary reforms.”
Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon made these comments today when commending progress to date by the parties in efforts to end Kenya’s political crisis.
Mr McKinnon reiterated his support for the initiative led by former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, and called on Kenya’s leaders to redouble their efforts to finalise a political settlement.
“Kenyan leaders must rise to the challenge of nation building, displaying the spirit of compromise needed to secure national accommodation and peace,” McKinnon said.
“The challenge of nation building for the future must also be matched by a strong commitment to build bridges, narrow differences and demonstrate a keen sense of shared responsibility for resolving issues. And it must be done in a manner that re-unites the people of Kenya. This is the key to the healing process,” Mr McKinnon added.
“I continue to extend my personal and full support to the Annan initiative. The Commonwealth will continue actively to support Kenya’s national dialogue and reconciliation process, and work closely with Kenyan authorities to implement the reform agenda that has been agreed by the parties,” he said.
McKinnon said the Commonwealth remains ready to support reform and reconciliation. He observed that it could draw from its experience and expertise in areas of electoral and constitutional reform as well as institution building to support Kenya in addressing its challenges.
Mr McKinnon confirmed that he continues to engage with Mr Annan and Kenya’s leaders.
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