Recalling its declaration of 8 January 2008, the EU commends President Kufuor, President of the African Union (AU), for his efforts to resolve the serious crisis arising from the recent Presidential elections in the country.
The EU urges all parties to build on these efforts and to jointly work towards a lasting political solution to the crisis, under the auspices of the AU.
The EU is following the situation in Kenya very closely and with great concern.
The EU expresses its full support for the Panel of Eminent African Personalities, headed by Mr Kofi Annan, which will work with the Kenyan parties to resolve their differences and all other outstanding issues, including constitutional and electoral reforms.
The EU calls on all parties to engage fully and constructively with this process and stresses their responsibility to ensure an immediate cessation of violence, to resort to dialogue and to secure a solution according to democratic standards and to the benefit of the Kenyan people. All political parties in Kenya should recognise that it cannot be business as usual in Kenya until there is political compromise which leads to a lasting solution that reflects the will of the Kenyan people, wins their confidence, and helps return Kenya to stability.
The EU recalls that the findings of the EU Election Observer Mission and other independent observers cast serious doubts on the official results of the presidential elections and calls for all allegations of election irregularity to be pursued through the proper democratic and legal channels.
The EU will continue to respond to the humanitarian needs of Kenyans displaced from their homes by recent acts of violence and stands ready to provide further assistance as required.
In order to ensure the restoration of peace, stability, democracy and the rule of law in Kenya, the EU stands ready to support a process of dialogue and reconciliation in Kenya and to complement the efforts of the AU.
