Government to help Kenyan peace efforts

Ireland is to help fund UN-led efforts to broker peace in Kenya, it emerged today.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern said the UN had approached the Government for financial assistance in the peace talks.

Irish Aid has already provided €1m towards the humanitarian situation in the country and €7m to the Red Cross Society.

More than 1,000 people have been killed in violent clashes sparked by a December 27 election which observers said was rigged.

The return to power of president Mwai Kibaki unleashed an explosion of violence in several communities.

Mr Ahern said: "The UN last night approached our diplomats in New York requesting us, along with a number of other donors, to provide financial support for the mediation efforts led by former UN secretary general Kofi Annan.

"Given our strong national support for Mr Annan's efforts, we will respond positively to this request."

Mr Annan is bidding to broker a political settlement between the government and opposition.