[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 1 (Monday, January 6, 2003)]
[Pages 4-5]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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Statement on the Kenyan Democratic Elections

December 31, 2002

    I congratulate President Mwai Kibaki on his election as the third 
President of the Republic of Kenya and look forward to working with him. 
I also congratulate the Kenyan people who on December 27th demonstrated 
their deep commitment to democracy and provided to the world a clear 
example of peaceful, democratic change. And I commend former President 
Moi for his leadership and vision during this crucial period of 
democratic transition and for his years of leadership in the region.
      
    The elections have opened a hopeful new chapter in Kenya's history. 
I commend the Presidential candidates, Uhuru Kenyatta and Simeon 
Nyachae, for peacefully accepting the outcome of the election and for 
pledging to work constructively within the democratic framework of the 
National Assembly. The United States will work closely with Kenya's new 
Government to deepen the strong and enduring friendship between the 
United States and Kenya and to help the new Government build a future of 
greater freedom, peace, and prosperity for all of Kenya's citizens.

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