By KUNA
United Nations : The UN Security Council late Wednesday expressed “deep concern” that civilians continued to be killed, abused and displaced in Kenya following the disputed December elections, and at the political, security and economic impact of that crisis on the wider region.
In a British-drafted statement read out in an open council meeting by Ricardo Alberto Arias of Panama, the body’s current president, the council welcomed the progress in negotiations, overseen by former Secretary-General Kofi Annan, between President Mwai Kibaki and his challenger Raila Odinga, which set an agenda and a timetable for action to end the crisis.
Emphasizing that the only solution to the crisis lies in dialogue, compromise and reconciliation, the council urged Kenya’s leaders to implement their February 1st agreement without delay, namely taking action to dismantle armed gangs, improve the humanitarian situation and restore human rights.
The council also reaffirmed its support for the African Union and the Panel of Eminent African Personalities, led by Annan, in their efforts to stem the violence.
It requested Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to report on how the United Nations could further support the mediation efforts in Kenya and mitigate the impact of the crisis on the wider sub-region.
The council also expressed its strong concern at the continuing dire humanitarian situation in Kenya and called for the protection of refugees and internally displaced persons.
It further expressed concern at the safety of humanitarian workers and UN personnel and called on all parties to facilitate their work and ensure their safety.