Nairobi — The European Union and the US are hoping for a quick resumption of talks between the Government and ODM.

The talks failed last week when an attempt by African Union chairman and Ghanaian president, Mr John Kufuor, failed to bring President Kibaki and ODM's Mr Raila Odinga face-to-face.

The head of the EU mission to Kenya, Mr Eric van der Linden, said on Wednesday: "Like foreign minister (Moses) Wetangula, the EU very much looks forward to the arrival of the Kofi Annan-led team that should facilitate the much-needed dialogue."

An official at the US embassy in Nairobi said they were also waiting for the arrival of former UN boss to restart the talks to broker a deal between President Kibaki - whose controversial re-election plunged the country into chaos - and Raila.

"We are looking forward to his arrival," the official told The Standard on Wednesday, adding that Kenyan leaders would have to play their part for a solution to the stalemate.

Former Tanzanian president, Mr Benjamin Mkapa, a member of the Annan team, was expected in the country yesterday. Annan, who was appointed to head the talks by Kufuor, had been expected on Tuesday but postponed his trip due to ill health.

He will lead a team comprising former presidents Mkapa (Tanzania) and Mr Joachim Chissano (Mozambique) and former South African First Lady, Mrs Graca Machel. Chissano is expected to jet in today.

Kenya's hope of having a negotiated settlement to the dispute that has led to death of 600 and the displacement of thousands now rests with Annan.

Kenya's international partners have threatened to cut aid if a negotiated settlement would not be reached.

In a statement, 14 nations, including the US, threatened to withdraw direct aid to the government and channel funds via other means if the country's commitment to "good governance, democracy, the rule of law and human rights weakens".

Wetangula released a statement on Monday in which he said the Government welcomes Annan and his team.

His statement contradicted his Roads and Public works counterpart who has claimed that Annan's intervention was not necessary.