Now Kenya wants Libya talks

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Libyan rebel chief Mustafa Abdel Jalil at the National Transitional Council (NTC) headquarters in Benghazi on August 20, 2011. Photo/AFP 

By NATION REPORTER
Posted  Wednesday, August 31  2011 at  22:30

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Kenya does not recognise the rebels fighting to dethrone Libyan strongman Muammar Gaddafi.

The Foreign Affairs ministry said in a statement it had not recognised the Libya National Transitional Council (NTC), the political wing of the rebels who have literally flushed the long serving Libyan leader out of the capital, Tripoli. (Read: African Union rattled by Gaddafi collapse in Libya)

The government maintained that only political dialogue between the warring parties could resolve the political crisis in the northern African nation.

“The impression that Kenya has recognised the NTC is inaccurate. In consideration of the prevailing circumstances and future prospects of peace in Libya, Kenya advocates for political dialogue that culminates in the formation of an all-inclusive transitional governing authority for the Libyan people,” the statement read.

“In line with the AU roadmap for Libya, Kenya believes that only a political solution will resolve the situation and fulfil mutually reinforcing objectives of peace, democracy, respect for human rights, the rule of law and reconciliation that are critical to sustainable peace,” the statement went on.

Many African nations have been reluctant to recognise the Libyan rebels, with Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe expelling the Magreb country’s ambassador for disowning Gaddafi and recognising the TNC.

Harare had earlier pledged to pardon envoy Taher El Megrahi if he hoisted Colonel Gaddafi’s flag at the mission.

Last week, acting Foreign Affairs minister George Saitoti, said Kenya was willing to work with Libya’s interim authorities in restoring the country.

Prof Saitoti said Kenya would cooperate in restoring order, forging reconciliation and national cohesion, restoring infrastructure and reviving the economy.

“Kenya stands ready to work with the people of Libya, the African Union and the international community to help build a new Libya,” Prof Saitoti said in a statement and asked the interim authorities to establish political dialogue with both the AU and international community.

“With the impending collapse of the regime of Col Muammar Gaddafi, Kenya urges that all efforts be exerted for the early restoration of peace and stability in Libya,” he said.