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Kufuor extends mission to Kenya Kufuor extends mission to Kenya
(about 1 hour later)
Ghanaian President John Kufuor, head of the African Union, has extended his mediation mission in Kenya by a day.Ghanaian President John Kufuor, head of the African Union, has extended his mediation mission in Kenya by a day.
On Wednesday, Mr Kufuor held separate talks with President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga.On Wednesday, Mr Kufuor held separate talks with President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga.
Mr Kibaki wanted to reach out to opponents now the violence had subsided, a spokesman said. Mr Odinga described the talks as "fruitful".Mr Kibaki wanted to reach out to opponents now the violence had subsided, a spokesman said. Mr Odinga described the talks as "fruitful".
Meanwhile, police have fired tear gas in clashes with about 100 women in an election protest in Nairobi.Meanwhile, police have fired tear gas in clashes with about 100 women in an election protest in Nairobi.
About 600 people have died in unrest which followed the disputed poll.About 600 people have died in unrest which followed the disputed poll.
In addition to those killed, some 250,000 are feared displaced by the violence following the 27 December election in Kenya - previously seen as a beacon of stability in east Africa. In addition to those killed, some 250,000 are feared displaced by the violence following the 27 December election in Kenya - previously seen as a relative beacon of stability in East Africa.
Displaced Kenyans tell of their fear to return homeIn picturesDisplaced Kenyans tell of their fear to return homeIn pictures
Mr Kufuor arrived in Kenya on Tuesday, but despite meeting the leaders of both sides has so far not managed to get them to agree to direct talks.Mr Kufuor arrived in Kenya on Tuesday, but despite meeting the leaders of both sides has so far not managed to get them to agree to direct talks.
On Wednesday Mr Odinga refused talks proposed by Mr Kibaki, calling the offer "public relations gimmickry" that sought to divert attention from international efforts to broker a solution.On Wednesday Mr Odinga refused talks proposed by Mr Kibaki, calling the offer "public relations gimmickry" that sought to divert attention from international efforts to broker a solution.
Mr Odinga has also repeatedly said he will not join a government of national unity.Mr Odinga has also repeatedly said he will not join a government of national unity.
Home-grown solution Compensation
After meeting Mr Kufuor, Mr Kibaki's office issued a statement, saying he had assured Mr Kufuor he was initiating dialogue.After meeting Mr Kufuor, Mr Kibaki's office issued a statement, saying he had assured Mr Kufuor he was initiating dialogue.
"Now that peace was returning to these parts, his partially formed government would continue to reach out to Kenyan leaders who would also be encouraged to play their role in preaching peace among their followers," the statement said."Now that peace was returning to these parts, his partially formed government would continue to reach out to Kenyan leaders who would also be encouraged to play their role in preaching peace among their followers," the statement said.
NEW MINISTERS Kalonzo Musyoka: Vice-president, ODM-KenyaUhuru Kenyatta: Local government, KanuMoses Wetangula: Foreign affairs, PNUKiraitu Murungi, Energy, PNUMartha Karua, Justice, PNUGeorge Saitoti: Internal Security, PNUJohn Michuki: Road transport, PNU The violence has forced thousands of Kenyans into camps
The BBC's Josphat Makori in Nairobi reports that the mediation efforts have been generally welcomed by the public - who feel Mr Kufuor's visit will bring the calm needed for talks - but that there is widespread conviction that a home-grown solution is needed.The BBC's Josphat Makori in Nairobi reports that the mediation efforts have been generally welcomed by the public - who feel Mr Kufuor's visit will bring the calm needed for talks - but that there is widespread conviction that a home-grown solution is needed.
Mr Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has said that it does not recognise the new cabinet announced on Tuesday by Mr Kibaki.Mr Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has said that it does not recognise the new cabinet announced on Tuesday by Mr Kibaki.
Earlier on Wednesday, Mr Kibaki insisted that there was room for members of the opposition in his new cabinet - currently dominated by members of his Party of National Unity (PNU), but until now only partially filled. Mr Kibaki says there is room for members of the opposition in his new cabinet - currently dominated by members of his Party of National Unity (PNU), but until now only partially filled.
"When my government is fully constituted as a result of dialogue, it will be broad-based and represent the will of the people of Kenya," he said in a statement. "When my government is fully constituted as a result of dialogue, it will be broad-based and represent the will of the people of Kenya," he said.
Earlier, he visited some of those displaced by the violence in the western town of Eldoret.
He promised to bring those responsible for the violence to justice - and said the victims of would be compensated and helped to rebuild their houses.