Kenya rival parties sign agreement

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Source: CCTV.com | 02-05-2008 09:15

Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan says Kenya's two rival parties will help hundreds of thousands of displaced people to return home safely.

Kofi Annan, Former UN Secretary General.(CCTV.com)

The announcment comes after mediation talks between the Kenyan government and the rival opposition.

Both sides signed a two page agreement on measures to be taken immediately. They will help people return to their homes safely and provide food and shelter for the displaced.

Monday's humanitarian agreement came after the two sides agreed on Friday to complete talks within 15 days on resolving the political crisis.

Annan says they have agreed to assist and encourage displaced persons to go back to their homes or other areas and to provide safe passage and security throughout. He says it will take up to a year to solve the deeper problems.

Kofi Annan, Former UN Secretary General, said, "When these things begin it is extremely difficult to bring it under control, but under control it must (be) It must be brought under control. The government and the opposition and the (inaudible) representatives are here discussing the future of this country, discussing how we resolve these issues peacefully and they've come up with measures that will help us get to where we want to be."

Both sides have expressed trust in Annan's efforts. But chief mediator Cyril Ramaphosa, chosen by the former UN chief to head long-term mediation, has pulled out because of reservations expressed by the Kenyan government.

It was not clear what effect his departure will have on the negotiations. A UN spokesman says the negotiations are continuing.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei