Nairobi — The European Union has reiterated that it would not conduct "business as usual" with Kenya.

In a press statement released on Tuesday, at the end of Council of Ministers meeting in Brussels, the EU said it would monitor the local situation.

"The council reiterates that until a legitimate political settlement is agreed on, the EU and member States cannot conduct business as usual with Kenya," read part of the statement.

It added: "The council will continue to support efforts in ending violence and ensuring democracy, stability and respect for human rights."

The EU issued a warning to individuals who stood in the way of the mediation talks.

"Those who obstruct dialogue or encourage violence will face the consequences," the EU said without elaborating.

Two EU member States, the UK and Switzerland, and the US have announced that they would slap visa bans on saboteurs of the peace talks and perpetrators of violence.

"The council welcomed a resolution by the parties to establish a Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission to address the causes of the crisis."

The EU stepped up pressure a day after US Secretary of State, Dr Condoleezza Rice, made a one-day visit to Kenya and held talks with the former UN Secretary-General and chief mediator, Dr Kofi Annan, President Kibaki and ODM leader, Mr Raila Odinga.

Rice, the highest-ranking US official to visit Kenya since the disputed December 27 election, urged a speedy solution and cautioned that failure to resolve the crisis would come at a cost.