World deplores violences in Kenya

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Source: CCTV.com | 01-02-2008 08:46

The violence in Kenya has caught the world's attention. Countries are calling for the political parties to end the riots and hold an independent inquiry into the disputed election.

A looter carries stolen merchandise in the Kibera slum in Nairobi, Kenya. (AFP/Roberto Schmidt)

Britain on Tuesday urged an end to the violence gripping Kenya and called on the country's political leaders to help restore order.

Adam Wood, British Ambassador to Kenya, said, "We are appalled by the horrific killings that have taken place in parts of Kenya. We have seen statements from British ministers calling on Kenya's political leaders to urge restraint on their followers and to refrain from any action that will inflame tensions further. There is a lot of activity behind the scenes to urge an end to the violence and encourage reconciliation and unity."

The US says the results have been announced and the rule of law should be respected, but recognizes certain irregularities in the electoral process.

Michael Ranneberger, US Ambassador to Kenya, said, "There were clearly serious questions raised about the tabulation process, there were certainly irregularities. I mean, there were cases in which forms were clearly altered, there were inordinate delays, there were some places where the turnout was unrealistically high. So, there were clearly question marks."

The chief European Union election monitor in Kenya says violence has no place in a genuine democratic election and the Electoral Commission of Kenya must be transparent.

Alexander Graf Lambsdorff, EU Chief Observer, said, "It is now in our opinion vital that a independent investigation is swiftly carried out to clarify doubts regarding the presidential election results, the ECK must be transparent during this investigation and the results of all polling stations must be published in the newspapers and on the internet in order to enable an independent audit to be carried out."

EU election monitors describe the poll as "flawed," saying it "fell short of international standards."

Editor:Zhang Pengfei