Kenya's government and opposition party leaders signed a power-sharing deal on Thursday in an effort to end post-election violence that has left more than 1,000 people dead.
In a televised ceremony, President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga signed the pact, which created a prime minister post demanded by the opposition.
Kibaki's re-election in December set off a dispute, as both men claimed victory in a vote that international observers said was rigged by both sides.
New Post Has Powers
"This process has reminded us that as a nation there are more issues that unite than that divide us," Kibaki said.
Under the agreement, the opposition leader will become prime minister and have the power to "coordinate and supervise" the government - more authority than Kibaki wanted to yield. Odinga was upbeat about the agreement.
"The new partnership will strengthen the government in addressing the challenges facing our country more comprehensively. It is important that, in particular, we deal with problem of negative ethnicity, national cohesion and unity," Odinga said.
Work Still Ahead
Former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan mediated the agreement with the aid of Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, who is also the head of the African Union, and former Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa.
"Today we have reached an important staging post, but the journey is far from over. In fact, it is only a beginning," Annan said. "The real challenge now is for President Mwai Kibaki and Raila Odinga to work together to heal and reconcile this nation".
Odinga and Kibaki have come under intense pressure to compromise over the Dec. 27 vote and its violent aftermath. Ethnic violence has killed 1,000 people and displaced 300,000 more.
The opposition had threatened to hold mass street protests on Thursday, but called them off after meeting with Annan on Wednesday.
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