By Athman Amran
Belgium wants to see Kenya conduct peaceful General Election, ambassador Bart Ouvry has said.
Mr Ouvry praised Kenyaâs Constitution as the most progressive and open in Africa, adding it guarantees free and fair elections.
â Belgium and the European Union partner states are looking forward to peaceful elections,â Ouvry said when he paid a courtesy call on Standard Group Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Paul Melly at the Standard Group Centre on Mombasa Road, Nairobi, yesterday. Standard Group Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Paul Melly (left), and Belgium Ambassador Bart Ouvry at Standard Group Centre in Nairobi, on Tuesday. [Photo: Jennipher Wachie/Standard]
Present at the meeting were Group Chief Editor and Assistant Director John Bundotich, Managing Editor, Daily Editions, Kipkoech Tanui, and Group Deputy Chief Editor Katua Nzile.
Ouvry said the Press has an important role in elections and building of democracy.
Various positions
Mr Melly said the media are dedicated to its role of defending the public interest. âWe are looking forward to elections. We are prepared to give a fair and equal opportunity to politicians and parties competing for various positions,â Melly said.
Ouvry said his country supports the International Criminal Court (ICC) and would want to see it left to work independently. The envoy further added there is an increased cooperation between Belgium and Kenya and that there is great potential for Kenya since it is leading in East Africa region.
âThe East African Community is one of the best functioning trade blocs in Africa,â he said, but added that there is need to improve institutions and infrastructure.
He said his country has an interest in the development and improvement of infrastructure and the functions of the port of Mombasa.
