Commissioner Michel welcomes open-minded approach to Kenyan talks

Louis Michel, European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, expressed his encouragement today at the open-minded attitude being shown by parties in talks to resolve the crisis in Kenya.

Commissioner Michel spent the day in Nairobi holding a series of high-level meetings including discussions with President Mwai Kibaki and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga.

At a press conference, Commissioner Michel expressed his belief that both political leaders had shown a genuine conviction to finding a durable solution, saying, "I am impressed – but not surprised – by the open-minded approach of both President Kibaki and Chairman Odinga. A little bit of goodwill from both sides and an agreement is possible, a good agreement to tackle the root causes of the situation." He added, "Today all the parties including the international community are all on the same line and that is to conclude the road-map of Kofi Annan and to find sustainable solutions. And there is a clear awareness on both sides that anybody who obstructs the process will have to pay a price."

Commissioner Michel met with former United Nations' Secretary General Kofi Annan earlier in the day to underline the EU's support for his facilitation efforts and the dialogue process.