Violence in Kenya Has Eased Enough To Lift Television Ban
NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya said violence over disputed elections had eased enough to lift a month-long ban on live television broadcasts, while the country's political rivals sat down for new talks yesterday despite the withdrawal of a leading mediator.
The fighting has killed more than 1,000 people and made over 300,000 homeless since the December 27 presidential election, which foreign and local observers say was rigged. Protests have deteriorated into ethnic clashes, with much of the anger aimed at President Mwai Kibaki's Kikuyu tribe, long resented for dominating politics and the economy.
"The live coverage ban was lifted because the security is better," a government spokesman, Alfred Mutua, told the Associated Press. In late December, he said the ban was implemented to prevent the incitement of violence. Rights groups said it was an attack on free speech.
Former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan brought Mr. Kibaki and his chief rival, Raila Odinga, together for more negotiations.
The two sides signed a two-page agreement pledging to help people return to their homes safely and provide food and shelter for the displaced.
They also welcomed a U.N. human rights team to investigate the violence, and agreed on the establishment of a truth and reconciliation commission.
