20 January 2008
Nairobi — Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka has said that President Kibaki is ready to meet and discuss the present political situation with the opposition.
This was affirmed as the European Union promised to donate Sh550 million to assist in humanitarian relief efforts, following the post-election violence in Kenya.
The announcement was made by the EU Commissioner for Development, Louis Michel, during a meeting with Mr Musyoka at the latter's Jogoo House office in Nairobi.
Mr Musyoka thanked the EU for the donation, saying that the money would assist in providing food, shelter and other basic necessities for displaced Kenyans.
The Vice-President said that while the government welcomes efforts by the international community to help resolve the current political crisis, it was necessary that the process of reconciliation and healing be owned by Kenyans.
Mr Musyoka said that the three days of mass action called by leaders of the Orange Democratic Movement last week negated the harmonious spirit that was witnessed in Parliament during the election of the Speaker, and called for an end to further demonstrations.
The Vice-President dismissed international media reports equating the Kenyan crisis to the genocide that occurred in Rwanda, describing them as misleading.
Mr Musyoka, however, implored Kenyans to desist from engaging in the criminal acts witnessed during the clashes, where lives were lost and property destroyed. Mr Michel said the EU regards Kenya as a model of democracy in Africa and a key player in the region.
He, however, expressed concern that the post-election violence had led to loss of lives and wanton destruction of property.
He called on the parties involved in the conflict to urgently engage in dialogue and negotiate a way forward.
Mr Michel expressed optimism that the mediation effort by the former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr Koffi Annan, and other eminent persons would bear fruit.
Mr Michel was accompanied by the head of the delegation of the European Commission in Kenya, Mr Eric van der Linden, and senior officials from the EU.
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