[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 20 (Thursday, February 7, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E132]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CALLING FOR A PEACEFUL RESOLUTION TO THE CURRENT ELECTORAL CRISIS IN 
                                 KENYA

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 6, 2008

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize House Concurrent Resolution 283, calling for a peaceful 
resolution to the current electoral crisis in Kenya.
  As a result of the elections held on December 27, 2007 chaos has 
erupted in Kenya. It was suspected that the administration police were 
used to rig elections in favor of Part of National Unity aligned to 
President Kibaki. During the announcement of the results from different 
polling stations, it was discovered that there were serious 
inconsistencies between results released at the polling stations and 
those that were announced by Electoral Commission of Kenya.
  Since then, Kenya has been experiencing civil war and people are 
suffering. As the people of Kenya face ongoing violence, they stay 
strong in proclaiming, through electoral process, their country 
deserves a fair democracy. I praise the courage and commitment of the 
Kenyan citizens towards democracy. We must support their efforts 
towards liberty and justice by persuading the international community.
  With passage of this legislation, the international community, United 
Nations aid organizations, and all neighboring countries are called 
upon to assist those affected by violence and asked to use diplomatic 
means to persuade relevant political actors to commit to a peaceful 
resolution to the crisis.
  On behalf of the 30th Congressional District of Texas, I am honored 
to support passage of House Concurrent Resolution 283.

                          ____________________