Ex-U.N. chief to lead Kenya mediation efforts

[Gunny]

Associated Press
updated 5:31 p.m. CT, Thurs., Jan. 10, 2008

NAIROBI, Kenya - Former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan agreed Thursday to take over talks to end the deadly turmoil linked to Kenya's presidential election, after days of international pressure resulted in nothing more than a fresh round of accusations from both sides.

The Dec. 27 election returned President Mwai Kibaki to power for another five-year term, with his opponent, Raila Odinga, coming in a close second after a vote tally that foreign observers say was rigged. More than 500 people have been killed in the ensuing violence.

"Both sides agree that there should be an end to violence," said African Union chairman John Kufuor as he left Kenya on Thursday after his two days of mediation failed even to get Kibaki and Odinga to meet.

Annan will not arrive in Nairobi to take over the talks before Jan. 15, his office in Geneva said. If his predecessor's experience was any indication, Annan will have a frustrating task ahead.

more ... http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22597769/

The world is saved. Kofi to the rescue. Have to wonder if he'll be as proactive and effective as he was at the UN.