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US urges Kenyan gov''t to fully cooperate with ICC proceedings

WASHINGTON, Jan 23 (KUNA) -- The United States urged on Monday the Kenyan government to cooperate fully with the proceedings of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and remain focused on their country's future.
"Today, the International Criminal Court (ICC) confirmed charges against four Kenyans for their alleged roles related to the deadly violence that swept Kenya following the disputed December 2007 Presidential election", said State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland in a statement.
"As we have consistently stated, we believe accountability for the 2007-2008 post-election violence is critical to ensuring Kenya's democracy, peace, and long-term stability. Under the ICC process, individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty and we make no judgment as to the guilt or innocence of those who are the subject of today's confirmation decisions", she added.
Nuland noted that "in the spirit of Kenya's new constitution, which embraces transparency, accountability and integrity, we urge the Kenyan government, the people of Kenya, and the individuals involved to continue to cooperate fully with the ICC proceedings and to remain focused on Kenya's future, especially through implementation of the reform agenda".
"The United States is committed to continuing to support Kenya's ambitious reform process as Kenya looks ahead to its first national elections under the new constitution", she concluded. (end) jm.bs KUNA 232257 Jan 12NNNN