London — The Government Sunday dismissed a remark by a British deputy minister that the European country does not recognise President Kibaki's government.

Information Minister, Samwel Poghisio said he was still waiting for official communication from the country's House of Commons, where the statement was made.

Mr Poghisio said as a seasoned parliamentarian, he had never heard of a situation where a foreign parliament passed a resolution on whether or not to recognise a president of a sovereign state.

"I have to understand in what context the House of Commons came to that decision," the minister added.

While addressing Parliament last week, deputy minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Ms Meg Munn said Britain does not recognise the Kibaki Government.

No communication

Ms Munn, who was responding to a question from a Conservative MP in Parliament last Thursday, said: "Our Government has not recognised the (President Kibaki's) Government and is calling on both leaders to co-operate in a process of mediation."

Mr James Duddridge of the Conservative (Britain's main Opposition party) had asked: "The Minister mentioned President Kibaki.

Does the Foreign Office formally recognise him as the President of the country?"

Responding to the remark, Kenya's High Commissioner to Britain Joseph Muchemi, said there was no official communication to the effect that Britain did not recognise the Kibaki Government.

Mr Muchemi said: "The two governments are still engaging each other with a view of solving the problem and there has been no break of relations."

The MPs were discussing the situation in Kenya, which saw some of them propose that Britain put political and financial pressure on Kenya to resolve the political impasse resulting from the outcome of the controversial December 27 General Election.

Mr Muchemi said his conversation with the British minister for Africa, Asia and the UN had not shown that the relations were sour. He said the minister had informed him that Britain wanted to see peace and reconciliation in Kenya.

"They would not engage us if they don't recognise us," he said by telephone.

Ms Munn insisted that Kenya's leaders need to overcome their divisions and engage in a genuine process of reconciliation and agree on a way to govern that reflects the democratic will of the people.

She told Parliament that Britain hoped that the group of eminent persons, led by former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, would help Kenyans find ways of fast-tracking crucial elements of constitutional reforms.

"Changes that spread executive power and patronage more widely could reduce the winner-takes-all nature of the presidential election. This will reduce temptations to cheat," she said.

Ms Munn said the British government hoped Kenyan leaders will establish the basis for restoring stability.

"Until that happens, it cannot be business as usual. The United States and the EU has made it clear in statements released over the weekend," she added.

The House of Commons also called for the lifting of the ban on live media broadcasts in Kenya and for respect for the right to peaceful assembly.

Quick-fix deal

Some of the MPs were categorical that the country does not need a quick-fix political deal between President Kibaki and ODM leader Raila Odinga or between the Head of State and Mr Kalonzo Musyoka of ODM-K.

"Mr Musyoka's party has already been rewarded with the Vice Presidency after delivering 16 Parliamentary votes. What Kenyans need is the rule of law and democracy," said Mr Hugh Bayley who represents the City of York.

Ms Munn said all allegations of fraud during the elections ought to be fully investigated, adding that those found to have acted illegally and contrary to the principles of democracy be held to account.

"That also applies if they are found to have instigated or orchestrated violence, as has been alleged," she added.

She added that the Judiciary needs to be strengthened and a decision reached on how members of the ECK are picked.