EU Commissioner Michel seeks progress in Kenyan talks

Commissioner Michel, speaking on his way to Kenya, stressed the importance of progress in talks between President Mwai Kibaki and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga in the coming days.

Commissioner Michel said: "There is a strong expectation on the part of the EU that the Kenyan leaders reach a political agreement on the way out of this crisis. Each passing day brings more violence, more unrest, more suffering and more economic distress. As a partner and friend of Kenya, the EU stands ready to support a political solution. The region, Africa as a whole and the EU need a democratic, stable and strong Kenya. The European Union fully supports the vital work undertaken by the Panel of Eminent personalities under the leadership of former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and I am going to Nairobi to support the dialogue process which is at a critical juncture. We trust a decisive political breakthrough can be achieved in the coming days and look forward to continuing our close and mutually beneficial relations with Kenya on this basis."

| Arriba |

• EU Commissioner Michel welcomes coalition government for Kenya (29/2/2008)
• Statement by EU Commissioner Michel on the political situation in Kenya (27/2/2008)
• Le Commissaire Louis Michel félicite l'élection de Jean Ping comme nouveau Président de la Commission de l'Union Africaine (1/2/2008)
• Javier Solana, EU High Representative for the CFSP, and Louis Michel, EU Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, deplore the deteriorating situation in Kenya (31/1/2008)
• EU Council Conclusions on Kenya (28/1/2008)
• European Commission earmarks €5.5 million in humanitarian aid for victims of post-election violence in Kenya (14/1/2008)