afrol News, 11 February - National dialogue and reconciliation aimed at healing the many wounds caused by weeks of post electoral unrests in Kenya has formally began on Monday.

The former UN chief, Kofi Annan, has been assigned to broker peace between the ruling PNU of President Mwai Kibaki and Raila Odinga, the leader of opposition Orange Democratic Movement after a dispute over presidential results turned into "ethnic cleansing."

The talks entered crucial stage last week. But the removal of major hurdles that derail the Annan-led mission was a sign of commitment of both sides.

It was agreed that the government and the opposition form a three-year unity government tasked with enacting effecting key legal and institutional reforms.

"We are making big progress. The two parties agree in saying that a political solution is necessary to resolve the crisis. I hope that we will have further details next week,” Kofi Annan said after a closed door meeting.

Annan however said though "there is optimism" it is still too early to discuss a national unity government.

The government has announced the lifting of ban on public rallies, defending that the reverse was a result of improved security situation in the country. The ban has been in force for more than a month.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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