Kenya deal 'very close', says Annan

0 Comments | AFP, February, 2008

NAIROBI (AFP) — Former UN chief Kofi Annan said Friday that a deal to end Kenya's political turmoil that has caused more than 1,000 deaths was "very close" and voiced hope that the "last difficult and frightening step" would be taken next week.

Annan has been leading talks between negotiators for President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga to end weeks of violence since a disputed December 27 election.

"We are very close. We are moving steady," Annan told a news conference.

"We are on the water's edge and the last difficult and frightening step, as difficult as it is, will be taken."

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is due in Nairobi on Monday to meet with the leaders and support Annan's mediation.

Annan said the rival...