§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on relations between and Kenya. [4875]
§ Mr. Tony LloydWe recognise the positive role which Kenya has played over the years as a force for regional stability. During my recent visit there between 25 and 28 June, I met President Moi and had talks with some of his Ministers, members of the Opposition, Church leaders and other representatives of Kenyan society. I made clear to all parties our hopes and expectation that the forthcoming elections will be free and fair and that they will be conducted in a peaceful environment. In this context, I stressed the importance of dialogue between the parties concerned.
328WI also made clear our concern that certain democratic principles should be implemented in the approach to the elections, to make sure that they are free and fair. In particular, I called for elections where all those who want to vote can exercise their choice freely; where all those who want to stand have the opportunity to do so; where the electorate have access through the media to all the information needed to make a free choice; and where people can come together freely in support of their preferred candidates.