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PM backs fresh Kenya peace drive PM backs fresh Kenya peace drive
(30 minutes later)
Gordon Brown has backed a fresh diplomatic drive to end the crisis in Kenya by helping broker a joint Africa Union and Commonwealth peace mission. Prime Minister Gordon Brown has backed a fresh diplomatic drive to end the crisis in Kenya sparked by the disputed presidential elections.
The prime minister welcomed the decision by African Union leader John Kufuor, Ghana's president, to undertake a reconciliation mission to Kenya. Mr Brown welcomed the decision of African Union leader John Kufuor, Ghana's president, to undertake a reconciliation mission to Kenya.
He pledged Britain would do everything in its power to support the efforts.He pledged Britain would do everything in its power to support the efforts.
Mr Kufuor is due in Nairobi to lead the mediation effort, which follows days of post-election bloodshed.Mr Kufuor is due in Nairobi to lead the mediation effort, which follows days of post-election bloodshed.
Speaking in 10 Downing Street, Mr Brown said he understood that both Kenya's government and the leading opposition party have agreed to talks with Mr Kufuor.
He said the visit was a chance to bring about reconciliation in the east African state which has been hit by escalating violence in the wake of disputed elections.
Common ground
Earlier, UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband resisted calls to impose sanctions against Kenya.
But he urged political leaders in the east African country to find common ground as international pressure mounted for order to be restored.
British nationals in Kenya have been advised to stay indoors or to exercise extreme caution if they do go outside.
At least 250 people have been killed during four days of violence.
Violence flared after Mwai Kibaki was officially re-elected president in a poll that opposition leader Raila Odinga claims was rigged.Violence flared after Mwai Kibaki was officially re-elected president in a poll that opposition leader Raila Odinga claims was rigged.
We can't afford to allow Kenya to go the way of Zimbabwe Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg class="" href="/1/hi/uk_politics/7167544.stm">Clegg's Musharraf question At least 275 people have been killed over four days of rioting and looting, including about 50 burnt to death when a church was set on fire.
Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg said Kenya should be given a two-week deadline to carry out a full recount of votes or face Commonwealth and European Union sanctions. Sanctions call
'Irregularities' Speaking at 10 Downing Street, Mr Brown said Mr Kufuor was set to hold talks with President Kibaki and Mr Odinga who have both called for the killing to stop.
He warned: "We can't afford to allow Kenya to go the way of Zimbabwe. "He will work with the parties to ensure reconciliation is brought about and perhaps a chance that some of the people who are at the moment opponents may join a government of national unity," Mr Brown added.
Referring to the sanctions call during an interview for BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Mr Miliband said: "There are two key issues - first, who does it help and who does it hurt, and, secondly, does it have the desired effect." Gordon Brown expressed hopes of a government of national unity
David Miliband was cautious about the prospect of sanctions "There is a responsibility on the part of all opposition and government leaders in Kenya to call on their supporters to end the violence that's taking place."
Earlier, UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband resisted calls by Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg for sanctions against Kenya.
Mr Clegg said the east African country should be given a two-week deadline to carry out a full recount of votes or face Commonwealth and European Union sanctions.
But Mr Miliband told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "There are two key issues - first, who does it help and who does it hurt, and, secondly, does it have the desired effect?"
He added: "It is clear that there are major responsibilities on Kenya's political leaders both in respect of the violence being perpetrated by some of their followers and in respect of the need to reach out and find common ground for a country - whoever actually won the election - which is obviously very deeply divided."He added: "It is clear that there are major responsibilities on Kenya's political leaders both in respect of the violence being perpetrated by some of their followers and in respect of the need to reach out and find common ground for a country - whoever actually won the election - which is obviously very deeply divided."
'Irregularities'
The foreign secretary stressed it was not clear who won last month's election, and said it appeared that there were irregularities on both the government and opposition sides.The foreign secretary stressed it was not clear who won last month's election, and said it appeared that there were irregularities on both the government and opposition sides.
He added: "I very much hope that both Mr Odinga and President Kibaki will realise that actually there is nothing to be gained by either of them in pretending that this is cut and dried."
Compromise
Earlier he issued a joint statement with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice appealing for an end to the violence.Earlier he issued a joint statement with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice appealing for an end to the violence.
You could feel the tension there and you kept looking over your shoulder Jonathan Berney, holidaymakerYou could feel the tension there and you kept looking over your shoulder Jonathan Berney, holidaymaker
"We call on all political leaders to engage in a spirit of compromise that puts the democratic interests of Kenya first," they said.
Meanwhile, about 350 people have arrived at Gatwick Airport on a flight from the Kenyan city of Mombasa.Meanwhile, about 350 people have arrived at Gatwick Airport on a flight from the Kenyan city of Mombasa.
One holidaymaker, John Yeomans, 57, from Weybridge, Surrey, was staying at a resort in Shanzu Beach.One holidaymaker, John Yeomans, 57, from Weybridge, Surrey, was staying at a resort in Shanzu Beach.
He said: "It is an absolute tragedy for the Kenyan people that they have to go through this. There is a considerable terrorist police increase, although Nairobi is where most of the problems are."He said: "It is an absolute tragedy for the Kenyan people that they have to go through this. There is a considerable terrorist police increase, although Nairobi is where most of the problems are."
Another, Jonathan Berney, told the BBC: "We saw burned out former buildings, bomb attacks. We saw people in large numbers on the streets. British nationals still in Kenya have been told to stay indoors and exercise extreme caution if they must go outside.
"You could feel the tension there and you kept looking over your shoulder. It's put us off going back to Kenya and we heard other people say the same. It's just a great shame because it's a beautiful country."