Optimism over PM agreement
The Kenya government and the Orange Democratic Movement yesterday made a major step forward after the Legal Working Group worked late into the light on Wednesday and agreed on the agreed on the creation of the position of a Prime Minister.
Kofi Annan, the chairman of the Panel of Eminent African Persons at the talks, is understood to have been happy with the progress. He said: "I’m beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel."
Facilitator Hans Corell described considerable progress made in the Working Group and outlined a joint proposal that had been largely agreed on the governance structure, the only outstanding issue under Agenda Item 3 (How to Overcome the Current Political Crisis). Mr. Annan was pleased with the result, saying afterwards, “I’m beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel”.
One of the issues agreed upon is that the Prime Minister would be the Leader of Government Business in Parliament. Other details on the number of Cabinet ministers and what proportion ODM would be entitled is expected to be ironed out today, Friday morning when talks resume after they were suspended early yesterday for member to consult their constituents.
The Legal Working Group comprising of Ms Martha Karua, Mr Mutula Kilonzo representing the Government side on one hand and ODM represented by Mr James Orengo and Mr William Ruto is expected to meet today(Friday) to try and conclude their work, and then will report to the full negotiating team at its before midday.
Visiting United States' Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, on Monday had announced that a power-sharing agreement would be the most workable solution that would help end the current political crisis that has left over 1000 people dead and over 350,000 displaced.
Rice's message confirmed the seriousness of the Kofi Annan-led mediation process which has received support form the United Nations, African Union, and the European Union
On her visit, Rice delivered a personal message from President Bush and urged both president Mwai Kibaki and Raila Odinga to work together to resolve the crisis.
She confirmed the US position on the Kibaki's presidency andreiterated that it would not be business as usual. Rice later held talks with President Mwai Kibaki and ODM leader Raila Odinga and emphasized the need for the tow leaders to reach an agreement soon.
"It simply isn't going to be business as usual until this crisis is resolved," Rice said Monday.
Before embarking on his tour of Africa, US President George Bush pushed for a possible share power deal between President Kibaki and ODM's Raila Odinga.
Meanwhile Jean Ping, the Chairperson-elect of the African Union Commission, yesterday paid a courtesy call on Kofi Annan, Chair of the Kenya National Dialogue and Reconciliation, and Benjamin Mkapa, former President of Tanzania.
Mr. Ping came to extend his moral support to the Panel. He discussed with Annan and Mkapa the recent progress made in the Dialogue and explored further possible support that the African Union can offer to the Panel.