UK 'could reject Kibaki govt'
Monday, 21 Jan 2008 17:53
Violence in Kenya has left over 600 dead
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Kenyan prime minister Raila Odinga is at pains to insist his partnership with president Mwai Kibaki is one of "good faith" – but just how sincere is he being? Full Story
Suggestions that Britain may not recognise the Kenyan government have provoked an angry reaction in Nairobi.
Junior Foreign Office minister Meg Munn told the Commons on Thursday the British government "has not recognised" the administration of incumbent Mwai Kibaki, who was returned to the
African country's presidency in a disputed December 27th election.
The Daily Nation newspaper reports the British high commissioner in Kenya, Adam Wood, has requested until Wednesday to clarify whether London accepts Mr Kibaki as the poll's winner.
It quoted foreign affairs minister Moses Wetangula as saying: "The issue of our recent general elections is not a subject to be debated in a foreign parliament because it is a Kenyan and African issue.
"I will reiterate that Kenya is a sovereign state and will not be a subject of unsolicited and unwarranted negative comments that will not enhance the bilateral ties."
Questioned on the issue, a Foreign Office spokesperson would neither confirm nor deny reports that Mr Wood would refuse to recognise Mr Kibaki's administration, saying: "You'll just have to wait and see."
Ms Munn, parliamentary undersecretary of state, made her contentious admission after being questioned by Conservative MP James Duddridge on if the government formally recognised Mr Kibaki as president.
She replied: "Our government… [has] not recognised the government [of Kenya] and are calling on both leaders to cooperate in a process of mediation."
Her language echoes that of opposition leader Raila Odinga, who has insisted he will only participate in "mediation" talks with Mr Kibaki under the control of former UN secretary-general Kofi Annan.
Mr Kibaki's supporters, denying a crisis, say they would not be based around mediation. His government has criticised demonstrations organised by Mr Odinga as illegal and vowed to continue its policy of uncompromising repression in the face of further organised rallies.