The UN Security Council deplored the ongoing violence in Kenya on Wednesday and placed their confidence in former Secretary General Kofi Annan to reach a political solution. Security Council president for the month of January Giadalla Ettalhi said that the Council has expressed concern on this issue and hopes the Council will not be obliged to act slowly on this situation, following consultations on Kenya. He said, “Council members underlined their full support for the efforts of the Panel of Eminent African Personalities, led by Kofi Annan, in seeking to resolve the crisis in Kenya.” Ettalhi, who is also Libya's UN Ambassador, also said that Arab foreign ministers are also “very concerned” of the “deteriorating” and “fragile” situation in Kenya and hopes a solution is reached. UK's UN Ambassador John Sawers said on Wednesday the “extent of international concern is growing” and he hopes Kofi Annan will “nip it in the butt” through his mediation efforts. Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Mr. B. Lynn Pascoe said Wednesday's Council session was intended to be a briefing and added that many are “very engaged” on this issue. The 15-member Council also expressed concern on the safety of UN staff in Kenya and called on Kenyan leaders to “bring the violence to an end and to restore calm.”
