[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 1 (Monday, January 14, 2008)]
[Page 35]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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Statement on the Situation in Kenya

January 7, 2008

    I welcome the visit of African Union Chairman John Kufuor to Nairobi 
to help facilitate a dialog to resolve Kenya's political crisis. I 
condemn the use of violence as a political tool and appeal to both sides 
to engage in peaceful dialog aimed at finding a lasting political 
solution. The Government of Kenya has acknowledged that voting 
irregularities have occurred, and the Orange Democratic Movement has 
pledged to refrain from further protests that could detract from 
reconciliation efforts. I now urge both sides to enter this dialog in 
good faith to earn back the trust of the Kenyan people, who deserve a 
political process that reflects their dedication to democracy. I remain 
heartened by the voices of peace that have emerged through Kenya's 
robust media and civil society. The United States supports their efforts 
to continue to hold their political leaders to account.