April 9, 2008
No. 80
The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement regarding the current impasse in forming a coalition cabinet in Kenya:
"Canada welcomed the power-sharing agreement signed by the two parties in late February and unanimously adopted by Kenya's Parliament on March 18. It marked an important first step in bringing Kenya back on the path to peace, stability and prosperity.
"I call upon President Kibaki and Prime Minister-designate Odinga to proceed in good faith to implement that agreement, which included the establishment of a coalition cabinet. Commitments in the agreement were made not only between the parties, but also to the Kenyan people, who have suffered greatly as a result of the post-election crisis. This impasse is prolonging the suffering of hundreds of thousands of internally displaced people, and it is important that Kenya's political leaders work together in the interest of the people of Kenya."
Minister Bernier also expressed his thanks to Parliamentary Secretary Deepak Obhrai, who travelled to Kenya from March 18 to 20 on behalf of the Government of Canada. Mr. Obhrai spoke to politicians on both sides about the need to fully implement the provisions of the agreement in order to address the root causes of the crisis and restore Kenya's democratic credentials. Citing Mr. Obhrai's observations on his return to Canada, Minister Bernier commented, "I am confident that Kenya's leaders will see beyond the interests of individuals and rise to the challenge."
Canada played a positive and constructive role during the post-election crisis in encouraging Kenya's political leaders to come together in mediated discussions and in condemning the violence and human rights violations. Canada also responded to the post-election situation in January with a $4.3-million commitment to help alleviate the suffering of those affected by the incidents of violence that followed the elections.
Previous news releases:
January 31, 2008
CANADA INCREASES ITS SUPPORT FOR HUMANITARIAN AID IN KENYA
January 16, 2008
CANADA URGES POLITICAL RESOLUTION IN KENYA
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
www.international.gc.ca/index.aspx
