President accepts invitation to Kenya

President John Agyekum Kufuor, on Sunday accepted the invitation of President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya, to visit that country as African Union (AU) chair, to see for himself at first hand the situation in the country.

President Kufuor said he would make the trip as soon as possible adding that Kenya has always been a flagship of Africa's rising image and nothing should be done to destroy the country.

This was contained in a press release signed by Mr Andrew Awuni, Press Secretary to the President and Presidential Spokesman.

The statement indicated "President Kufuor said as AU Chair, he is naturally concerned about the situation in Kenya and is willing to make his contribution to peace in that country."

It indicated that President Kibaki said he was willing to dialogue without pre-condition with the opposition.

The statement said in a special message sent to President Kufuor, through the Special Envoy, Mr Moses Wetangula, President Kibaki said the situation in Kenya was returning to normal very quickly except for small pockets of disturbances in the West.

It said President Kibaki also expressed his commitment to forming a government of National Unity for the sake of peace and tranquility in Kenya.

Violence broke out in Kenya after the country's Presidential and Parliamentary and Elections held on December 27, 2007.

Reports say about 300 people have died in the violence with thousands of people displaced.