GOAL chief calls for deployment of UN troops in Kenya

GOAL chief executive John O'Shea is calling for the deployment of UN peacekeepers to halt ethnic violence in Kenya.

Almost 1,000 people have been killed over the past month during ethnic attacks triggered by the re-election of President Mwai Kibaki following a disputed vote.

Around 300,000 more have also fled their homes as a result of the violence.

Mr O'Shea claims a neutral, outside force is urgently needed to keep the two sides apart and to prevent a Rwanda-style genocide.

Meanwhile, Kenya's opposing political forces are holding more talks today in an effort to end the violence.

The two sides have already agreed a two-week plan to try to halt the ethnic attacks.