Kenya calls on int’l community to help restore peace in Sudan, Somalia
NAIROBI, Oct 27, 2003 (Xinhua) — The Kenyan government on Monday called on the international community to come forward and help restore peace in both the Sudan and Somalia.
“The two peace initiatives need support from the international community and more so in the post conflict phase,” Kenyan Minister for Foreign Affairs Kalonzo Musyoka said in Nairobi on Monday.
Addressing a gathering at the newly built Canadian Chancery in Nairobi, Musyoka said, “We call upon all peace loving nations to come forward and support the people of the Sudan and Somalia to restore peace and start rebuilding their respective countries.”
He said the Sudanese parties at the peace talks have demonstrated a genuine need to find a lasting solution to the long- standing conflict.
He said Sudanese Vice President Ali Osman Taha and southern rebel leader John Garang have displayed remarkable flexibility on key issues and it is Kenya’s hope that a comprehensive peace agreement would be signed soon.
In regard to Somalia peace and reconciliation talks, the minister said the recently concluded Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Summit in Kampala, capital of Uganda, was a new effort to enhance the prospects of peace in this war torn nation.
He said the IGAD ministerial meeting is due to take place in Nairobi on Tuesday to ensure progress is made.