Brussels, 05/10/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 5 October, the Swedish Presidency expressed the concerns of the European Union regarding the fact that the Kenyan government has been unable to establish a credible, independent, constitutionally protected local special tribunal to end the impunity of perpetrators of the violence which followed the presidential elections of 27 December 2007. In a declaration published on behalf of the EU, the Swedish Presidency points out that the establishment of a tribunal of this kind was an obligation to be fulfilled within an agreed timeframe. The EU therefore urges the Kenyan authorities "to urgently adopt measures to end impunity and fight corruption", and to "continue to cooperate with the International Criminal Court".
Firmly reiterating its position of 27 July 2009, the EU calls upon Kenya's political leaders to engage in and recommit to a complete implementation of the reforms, as set out under the National Accord and Reconciliation Act (2008), and to respect human rights. "The EU will continue to closely follow the situation in Kenya and will consider ways to promote progress on the reforms in close cooperation with other international partners", the declaration states. (A.N./transl.fl)