Media release
30 January 2008
Continuing Crisis in Kenya
Australia is deeply disturbed by the further surge in violence that has occurred in Kenya over recent days.
Australia welcomes the launch of a process of national dialogue aimed at resolving the ongoing crisis following a further meeting between Kenya’s political leaders and the African mediators led by former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan on 29 January 2008.
I commend the efforts of Kofi Annan and his colleagues in bringing the parties together for talks. It is now up to Kenya’s leaders to engage intensively in negotiations without preconditions and make the political compromises necessary to end the crisis.
Those inciting or engaging in violence should cease immediately. The continuation of the crisis and the violence only hurts ordinary Kenyans. The protection of those Kenyans displaced from their homes by the violence needs to be given priority by the Kenyan authorities.
In this current situation it cannot be ‘business-as-usual’ between Kenya’s leaders and the international community. Australia will continue to urge both sides to urgently seek a way forward.
We will also limit contact with Kenyan ministers in Nairobi in any situation that may imply support. We will also be keeping under review our development assistance program provided to Kenya under our African regional program. In 2006-2007 this assistance was worth $7.2 million.
On 6 January 2008, I announced that Australia would be providing $1 million of humanitarian aid to the victims of post-election violence. We continue to monitor the need for further humanitarian assistance closely.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is keeping its consular contingency planning and travel advice under close review and is endeavouring to keep in contact with Australians in areas affected by the recent violence in Kenya to offer consular assistance if required.
Media inquiries
- Mr Smith's office 02 6277 7500
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