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Former UN chief Kofi Annan addresses a press conference in Nairobi
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Kenya's rival political leaders have agreed to form a coalition government in an effort to end the country's political crisis.
Former United Nations chief Kofi Annan announced details of the agreement after President Mwai Kibaki, opposition leader Raila Odinga and other officials signed the deal in Nairobi Thursday.
Mr. Annan said Kenya will have a prime minister with powers to supervise the affairs of government. He said the prime minister will be a member of the party or coalition that controls parliament.
The former UN chief said the arrangement will be entrenched in Kenya's constitution, and that the parties have agreed to take the necessary amendments to parliament for approval as soon as possible.
Mr. Annan has been leading talks to end the political crisis that was sparked by December's disputed presidential election. The opposition accused President Kibaki of rigging the vote to ensure victory.
That election dispute sparked riots and ethnic clashes across Kenya that killed more than a thousand people.
In his comments Thursday, Mr. Annan said he believes the agreement can bring peace and prosperity back to Kenya. He urged Kenyans to support it. He said the compromise is necessary to ensure Kenya's survival.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
VOA News
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