Annan Suspends Kenya Talks

Mediator says he will speak to leaders personally
By Sam Gale Rosen,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 26, 2008 11:09 AM CST
Annan Suspends Kenya Talks
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, left, and former U.N. chief Kofi Annan, look each other prior giving a statement in Nairobi, Kenya, Monday Feb.18 2008. Rice urged Kenya's rival politicians Monday to share power to end a bloody political crisis, saying a deal would enhance the country's relationship...   (Associated Press)

Mediator Kofi Annan is suspending the talks to end the bloody crisis in Kenya. In lieu of the negotiations, the ex-UN Secretary General says he will speak personally to rival leaders Mwai Kibaki and Raila Odinga, reports the AP. "I hope people will understand this is a move intended to speed up action," Annan said.

The opposition, led by Odinga, has threatened to resume protests this week. Earlier today, Condoleezza Rice issued a statement condemning the violence and cautioning that Kenya's relationship with the US is at risk. "I want to emphasize that the future of our relationship with both sides and their legitimacy hinges on their cooperation to achieve this political solution," said the US Secretary of State. (More Kenya stories.)

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