Annan to speak to Kenyan leaders to rescue talks

Hopes of a solution to the deadly divisions in Kenya were dashed today when talks between the two main rivals were suspended.

Mediator Kofi Annan made the decision after negotiations dragged on for weeks with several promised breakthroughs but no tangible progress.

Former UN chief Mr Annan, who delivered a sharp rebuke to both sides yesterday, said he would now speak to President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga to try to reinvigorate talks.

The two have been under international pressure to share power to move the country beyond their stand-off over the December presidential elections.

“I hope people will understand this is a move intended to speed up action,” Mr Annan said.

Mr Odinga says the election was a sham; Mr Kibaki says it made him the legitimate leader. International and local monitors say the results of the vote were manipulated, making it unclear who would have won.