Statement by Kofi Annan following International Criminal Court ruling

The Pre-Trial Chamber II of the International Criminal Court has given its ruling in the cases against the six individual Kenyans.  The Chamber has confirmed the charges against four of the six suspects (William Ruto, Joshua Arap Sang, Uhuru Kenyatta and Francis Muthaura) who are committed to trial.  Justice should take its course.

Four years after the post-election violence that engulfed Kenya, let us remember the victims and the plight of internally displaced persons who must be resettled and compensated.

The period leading to the next national elections will be challenging.  As reforms continue and preparations for elections and devolution pick-up momentum, I urge all Kenyans to focus on these essential tasks.

The Kenyans have the opportunity to lay a solid, democratic foundation for the future of their country, building on the spirit, letter and intent of the Constitution.  The challenge now is to build a country that is peaceful and stable, to ensure sustainable development, rooted in respect for the rule of law and human rights.

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