'Unfortunately, there has been no resolution of the crisis yet, but we are continuing to work with the African Union and with others to try and see that be resolved,' State Department spokesman Tom Casey said. -- PHOTO: AP

'We appreciated the efforts of the AU (African Union) to help try and bring about a resolution of the political differences between the parties and certainly includes this eminent persons group as well,' said Mr Tom Casey, a State Department spokesman.

Kenya's rival leaders - President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Mr Raila Odinga - agreed on Thursday to work with the Annan-led panel to end the crisis that has claimed hundreds of lives, AU Chairman and Ghanaian President John Kufuor said.

'What that shows is part of a broader international effort to again try and promote a political compromise and a settlement to differences between the parties,' Mr Casey said.

Mr Kufuor made the announcement in Nairobi before returning home following the failure of AU-mediated talks to resolve the political crisis.

Kenya's opposition blamed Mr Kibaki for the failure.

Mr Kufuor and foreign negotiators had held a lengthy meeting on Thursday morning with Mr Odinga, who insists Mr Kibaki rigged the Dec 27 elections and refuses to recognize his re-election. They also met Mr Kibaki at his residence.

US envoy leaving soon
Mr Casey said that US envoy Ms Jendayi Frazer, who was sent to Nairobi late last week to help defuse a crisis sparked by Mr Odinga's allegations that Mr Kibaki stole the election, could also be returning home soon.

'Jendayi will be there at least through today and into tomorrow. Not sure exactly at this point what her travel plans are, though I wouldn't expect her to be there for that much longer,' he said.

US will continue to work with AU
But Mr Casey hastened to add that her return to Washington 'should not be seen as lack of engagement or interest on the part of the United States.' Washington will stay the course, he said.

'Unfortunately, there has been no resolution of the crisis yet, but we are continuing to work with the African Union and with others to try and see that be resolved,' Mr Casey added.

The spokesman also announced that the United States was providing 'now a total of US$5 million (S$7.15 million) to assist vulnerable and displaced Kenyans following post-election violence in the country.' 'And this will go to NGOs (non-government organizations) and other international organizations to work on health-related issues, as well as food, water and sanitation and temporary shelter,' he added.

The violence has claimed the lives of more than 600 people and displaced some 255,000 others. -- AFP