27/02/2008 (Agence Europe) - The EU is deeply concerned about the impasse in which the mediation process in Kenya now finds itself, and reiterates its support for the efforts being made by the panel of eminent African personalities headed by Kofi Annan. In a statement on 26 February, the Slovenian EU Council Presidency states that the EU urges “the parties to redouble their efforts to engage constructively in a spirit of compromise to secure a legitimate political settlement”. Louis Michel, European Development and Humanitarian Aid Commissioner, speaks along the same lines, saying: “The European Union is determined to take all appropriate measures and all options are being considered” to punish “individuals who obstruct the National Dialogue process or who encourage violence”. (A.N.)