Douglas Alexander and David Miliband comment on Kenyan election results
31 December 2007
On Monday 31 December, Secretary of State for International Development
Douglas Alexander and Foreign Secretary David Miliband issued a second joint
statement about the recent Kenya election result:
"We're appalled by and condemn the incidents of violence taking place in
Kenya, including horrific killings in several Kenyan cities and towns. We call
on all political leaders to urge restraint on their followers and avoid any
actions that inflame tensions. We call on those involved, including government
security forces and political party supporters, to behave responsibly, to act
within the law, and to address their grievances peacefully.
"We welcome that the parliamentary elections have been considered to be free and
fair. But we share the serious concerns voiced by the EU and domestic election
observers, and the US, over the presidential elections and vote counting.
"Given the reported irregularities in the presidential election, and the
continuing claims and counter-claims over the outcome of that election, we
believe it is vital that Kenya's political leaders enter a process of dialogue
aimed at achieving a solution which is seen to be democratic and fair by all
concerned and which brings the current crisis to an end.
"We are following the situation carefully. The Prime Minister is in touch with
key Kenyan leaders this evening making clear our concerns and encouraging
reconciliation and unity in dealing with the situation. We are in touch with our
international partners including the EU, US and President Kabbah's Commonwealth
delegation in Nairobi, to help resolve the crisis.
"We have also updated our travel advice to warn against all but essential travel
to the affected areas of Kenya."
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A previous joint statement was issued on 30 December:
"This is a pivotal moment for Kenya, a time when the democratic process and
election outcome has to be seen to be fair in the eyes of the Kenyan people. We
congratulate Kenyan voters for conducting their vote in an orderly and dignified
manner. But we have real concerns at the irregularities reported by the EU
observers and others.
"We call on all Kenya's political leaders and democratic institutions to work
together to address those concerns, seriously, in a spirit of unity, and in a
way which will bring the respect and support of the Kenyan people. Those leaders
must also ensure the safety of Kenya's people – the tragic deaths this weekend
have marred an otherwise peaceful election. That violence must not be repeated.
We urge all sides to pursue their disputes peacefully through dialogue and the
appeals process.
"Britain looks forward to working with a legitimately elected government of
Kenya, which commands the support of the Kenyan people and which wants to
advance the economic, social and democratic interests of the people of Kenya. We
will be discussing ways forward with our European and other partners in the
coming weeks."
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