MEDIATION TALKS PART II

Mediation talks part II.

Above- from left; Former UN secretary, Mr. Kofi Annan, Mr. Mwai Kibaki and ODM leader Mr. Raila Odinga in a discussion after they launched talks on the debilitating political crisis. Mr. Annan urged the two men to do whatever it takes to restore calm. He had warned them earlier before the meeting that they should be prepared to make hard decisions for the sake of the the country. "Today we are gathered here to launch face-to-face negotiations that offer an opportunity for leaders to steer the country towards peace and prosperity. To the leaders, people need you and want you to take charge of affairs to stop the downward slide to chaos. You have to act with urgency," Annan said.

PNU side picked "Justice minister", Ms Martha Karua, "Education minister", Prof Sam Ongeri, and Mbooni MP, Mr Mutula Kilonzo.

Mr Gichira Kibara of the Justice ministry was named liaison officer, assisted by Dr Ludeki Chweya of the University of Nairobi.

And ODM named party Pentagon members, Mr Musalia Mudavadi and Mr William Ruto, and career diplomat and Aldai MP, Dr Sally Kosgei, as its flagbearers.

The EU council made its stand in a unanimous statement, which pointed out that the political impasse and violence had greatly affected donors’ engagement with Kenya and the EU-Kenya relations.

"Until a legitimate solution is agreed, the EU and its member states cannot conduct business as usual with Kenya," said part of the statement by the 27 member countries.

At the African Union (AU) Heads of State meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the disputed presidential election was listed for discussion. ODM Secretary-General, Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o is at the talks representing ODM. He called on the 53-member political body not to recognise Kibaki as President. "Foreign Affairs minister", Mr Moses Wetangula is representing the PANU side and has said that kibaki will attend the talks as the head of state.