afrol News, 8 February - New leaks have it that the ruling PNU and opposition Orange Democratic Movement on Friday agreed to form a joint government in an effort to seal the continued unrest around the dispute presidential elections in Kenya last December.

As the two rival sides are still holding crisis talks, the roles of each party or who leads the government are not divulged to press.

Both sides had earlier resolve their commitment to end the violence that killed close 1,000 people, displaced tens of thousands and left untold suffering in the country.

But a government spokesman said there has been no major breakthrough yet, although talks led to "an agreement of principles."

The coordinator of the talks, the former UN Scribe, Kofi Annan said it was still too early for a power-sharing agreement.

Talks entered a crucial stage this week when both sides discuss on the dispute over the polls results.

A statement from the mediation team said, "the topic is s crucial one, and proved divisive at times.

"But the talks proceeded in good spirit, moving more slowly than in previous sessions, but moving steadily ahead."

Benjamin Mkapa, the former President of Tanzania and former South African first lady Graça Machel returned to Nairobi to give weight to the mediation process.

United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator, John Holmes, arrived in the country for a three-day mission to assess the humanitarian crisis. His mission will take him to the epicentre of the unrest, the Rift Valley.

European Union Development Commissioner, who also flew to Nairobi, said "there are strong signals of flexibility and open-minded attitude." Louis Michel expressed optimism about the country's future.

He however warned political leaders to be wary of the consequences should the talks fail.

"Those who think it is possible to escape sanctions or isolation, they have to forget that and I'm speaking to all the parties," said Michel.

Eight Kenyans suspected of sparking off the violence risk visa ban to many western countries, including the United States.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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