Kenya Leaders Agree to Peace Talk Structure

Immediate issues could be resolved within 15 days, Annan says

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 1, 2008 2:27 PM CST

(Newser) – Kenya's rival leaders have agreed on an outline for peace talks, Kofi Annan said today. Larger problems could take a year to iron out, but the ex-UN chief said the most pressing issues--ending the killings, aiding those hit by the turmoil, and fixing "immediate" political woes--could be solved within the next 7 to 15 days, Reuters reports.

The feuding parties have already made “substantial progress” on their priority item, stopping the violence that has left 850 dead. “We are calling on the public to disband any illegal militia,” said an opposition official. Current UN head Ban Ki-moon also met negotiators. “What is important at this time is to maintain peace and security,” he said.

A man using crutches moves away from skirmishes between police and opposition supporters in Kisumu, Kenya, Friday, Feb. 1, 2008. In Kisumu Friday, police fired tear gas and live rounds at scores of protesters... (Associated Press)

Former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan gives a press conference in a Nairobi hotel, Kenya, after a day of meetings with his successor Ban Ki-moon and opposition leader Raila Odinga, Friday, Feb. 1,... (Associated Press)

Former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, flanked by opposition lawmaker Musalia Mudavadi, left, and Justice Minister Martha Karua, gives a press conference in a Nairobi hotel, Kenya, after a day of meetings... (Associated Press)

Nuns carry a small child down the road during skirmishes between police and opposition supporters in Kisumu, Kenya, Friday, Feb. 1, 2008. Police fired tear gas and live rounds Friday at scores of protesters... (Associated Press)

A Kenyan policeman carries a traditional knobkerry weapon during skirmishes with opposition supporters in Kisumu, Kenya, Friday, Feb. 1, 2008. In Kisumu Friday, police fired tear gas and live rounds at... (Associated Press)

Former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan gives a press conference in a Nairobi hotel, Kenya, after a day of meetings with his successor Ban Ki-Moon and opposition leader Raila Odinga, Friday, Feb. 1,... (Associated Press)

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Kenya Leaders Agree to Peace Talk Structure

Immediate issues could be resolved within 15 days, Annan says

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Immediate issues could be resolved within 15 days, Annan says

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Kenya • United Nations • Kofi Annan • Mwai Kibaki • Raila Odinga • peace talks • Ban Ki-moon

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More Newser Stories

Arab League, UN Struggle to Respond to 'War on Syrians'

Even worse is yet to come, fears Ban Ki-Moon

UN Chief to Syria's Assad: Stop Killing Your People

Ban Ki-moon says 'old order is crumbling'

Palestinians Request UN Membership

Abbas makes formal appeal to UN chief Ban Ki-Moon

UN Fires at Gbagbo Forces

France gives military OK to take out his heavy weapons

West African Leaders Push Ivory Coast's Gbagbo to Leave

20K flee country as violent confrontation looms

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