Annan defuses row in Kenya crisis talks

NAIROBI – Chief mediator Kofi Annan yesterday put Kenya’s crisis talks back on course toward a deal after defusing a row over his plan for a “grand coalition” government to end post-election turmoil.

Annan had irked negotiators for President Mwai Kibaki when he told parliament on Tuesday that a power-sharing government could be a way out of the crisis sparked by the disputed December presidential election. But in talks early yesterday at a secret location, Annan clarified his statement, saying this “represents his perspective on the discussions and does not imply a formal agreement between the two parties.””The parties continue to work constructively and are making good progress,” said UN spokesman Nasser Ega-Musa in a statement.Kibaki’s lead negotiator Martha Karua had sent a protest letter to Annan after he told parliament that a “grand coalition” could oversee reforms in Kenya to pave the way for elections in two years.”My team is alarmed at some serious inaccurate statement made by your excellency (Kofi Annan),” said Karua, the minister for justice and constitutional affairs.Forming a transitional government to prepare elections “has not been discussed or agreed upon” in the mediation talks now in their third week, she said.The statement was in line with Kibaki’s long-held view that he won the presidential vote fairly and should not have to share power with his rival Raila Odinga, who says he was robbed of the presidency.Kenya descended into violence after Kibaki, 76, was officially declared the winner of the December 27 presidential election that the opposition said was rigged.International observers also found flaws in the tallying of ballots.According to the Kenyan Red Cross, more than 1 000 people have died in rioting, tribal clashes and police raids since the vote and 300 000 people have been displaced, shattering Kenya’s reputation as one of Africa’s most stable countries.Annan had addressed parliament to secure broad support for constitutional and statutory changes that a final settlement might require, but his “grand coalition” proposal angered a group of MPs from Kibaki’s party.Nampa-AFPBut in talks early yesterday at a secret location, Annan clarified his statement, saying this “represents his perspective on the discussions and does not imply a formal agreement between the two parties.””The parties continue to work constructively and are making good progress,” said UN spokesman Nasser Ega-Musa in a statement.Kibaki’s lead negotiator Martha Karua had sent a protest letter to Annan after he told parliament that a “grand coalition” could oversee reforms in Kenya to pave the way for elections in two years.”My team is alarmed at some serious inaccurate statement made by your excellency (Kofi Annan),” said Karua, the minister for justice and constitutional affairs.Forming a transitional government to prepare elections “has not been discussed or agreed upon” in the mediation talks now in their third week, she said.The statement was in line with Kibaki’s long-held view that he won the presidential vote fairly and should not have to share power with his rival Raila Odinga, who says he was robbed of the presidency.Kenya descended into violence after Kibaki, 76, was officially declared the winner of the December 27 presidential election that the opposition said was rigged.International observers also found flaws in the tallying of ballots.According to the Kenyan Red Cross, more than 1 000 people have died in rioting, tribal clashes and police raids since the vote and 300 000 people have been displaced, shattering Kenya’s reputation as one of Africa’s most stable countries.Annan had addressed parliament to secure broad support for constitutional and statutory changes that a final settlement might require, but his “grand coalition” proposal angered a group of MPs from Kibaki’s party.Nampa-AFP