Britain ‘does not recognise Kibaki’

Sun, 20 Jan 2008 14:10:09 +0000 (GMT)
sent by Iqbal H.

Story by DAVID MUGONYI in LONDON
Publication Date: 1/20/2008
 
Britain does not recognise President Kibaki’s government, Parliament was told on Thursday.
Deputy Minister for State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Ms Meg Munn told the House of Commons that Britain will not give aid to Kenya until the dispute over the result of the presidential election is resolved.
 
Ms Munn was responding to questions on whether Britain recognised Mr Kibaki as the President of Kenya, as some of the MPs proposed that the country exerts pressure on Kenya, including suspending it from the Commonwealth, to resolve the political stalemate.
Liberal Democratic MP for East Dunbartonshire Ms Jo Swinson said: “I welcome the Government’s clear statement that they do not recognise Kibaki as the Kenyan president. We must ensure that there is no doubt, either in Britain or the international community, that the December elections are not seen as legitimate.”
 
Ms Swinson said members of the Kibaki Government, especially those suspected of corruption and those blocking the democratic process, should face travel bans to Europe.
“Surely we could wield influence through the extension of such bans to all those who are blocking the political process, including, if necessary, (Kibaki) himself,” she added.
 
The MPs condemned the shooting of unarmed protesters by the police.
 
Ms Munn said Britain supports mediation efforts, adding that both Mr Kibaki and Mr Raila Odinga must accept dialogue.
 
“A lasting political solution, based on a compromise, which reflects the will of the Kenyan people, needs to be agreed on,” she added