GORDON BROWN WELCOMES PEACE-DEAL IN KENYA

GORDON BROWN'S STATEMENT

'Kenya's leaders have reached a power-sharing agreement that represents a triumph for peace and diplomacy, and a renunciation of the violence that has scarred a country of such enormous potential. Common sense has prevailed, and the Kenyan people have the outcome for which they have hoped and prayed.

I want to pay tribute to the efforts of Kofi Annan and his panel, and the crucial role played by President Kikwete and the African Union. I applaud the courage that Kenya's leaders have shown in taking the tough decisions necessary to put Kenya back on the path to the prosperity, democracy and stability which it is so richly deserves.

The hard work must continue. Kenyans need help to resettle and rebuild. Real leadership, patience and tolerance is necessary to ensure that the agreement sticks.

And the international community, showing continued unity and resolve, must play its part to support Kenya and its leaders as they establish a new government. As I told President Kibaki at the weekend, we are ready to work closely with that government if it takes the right decisions for the long term benefit of Kenya.'