Press Release: Statement by IMF Managing Director on Kenya

January 3, 2008

Press Release No. 08/01

The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, Mr. Dominique Strauss-Kahn, issued the following statement today on Kenya:

"I note with sadness the violence that has caused the deaths of many innocent Kenyans in the aftermath of the December 27 elections. I offer my condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones to the violence and pay tribute to the people of Kenya who exercised their democratic and constitutional rights to vote. I note with concern that supply disruptions emanating from the developments in Kenya are affecting other countries in the region.

"I very much hope that the political leaders in Kenya will quickly and peacefully resolve the current dispute over the election results. This would open the way to further progress toward economic prosperity which could benefit all Kenyans. The Fund will stand ready to support Kenya in its economic reform efforts."

IMF EXTERNAL RELATIONS DEPARTMENT

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