From: Kenyan Society
Friday, January 04, 2008 10:30 PM

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Urges U. S. Assistance In Monitoring Election Results in Kenya


  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

  Contact: Judith Kargbo
  January 3, 2008
  202-225-3816 
  202-225-7080
 
  Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Urges U. S. Assistance In Monitoring Election Results in Kenya
 
  Jackson Lee states "America Must Support The Kenyan Government in Making Sure Election Results are Transparent For Stability in The Region"
 
  Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a Member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, released the following statement expressing concern about mounting violence in Nairobi, Kenya due to disputes regarding its recent presidential elections:

  "The United States along with the international community must immediately provide diplomatic assistance to the country of Kenya and help defuse the ongoing violence that erupted from disputes over the recent presidential elections. Kenya's presidential elections results must be clear and transparent in order for the democratic process to prevail.  It saddens me to see the once relatively stable country of Kenya explode into chaotic violence leaving more that 300 people killed.

  "It is clear that through the complex networks of our close global community, the tragic situation taking place in Kenya directly affects many around the world. In my own congressional district of Houston, Texas, members of the Kenyan-American community have reached out to me, asking for the United States to help stabilize the region. As a Member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, I cannot let these cries for peace and democracy be ignored. With political upheaval taking place in many parts of the world, including the recent instability plaguing the country of Pakistan, the United States knows first hand that political instability anywhere is a threat to stability everywhere. Democracy must move forward in Kenya, and the cry for clear, transparent and peaceful elections must not go unheard by the international community."
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