The two rivals in Kenya's political crisis met today for the first time since a disputed election and pledged to seek an end to weeks of unrest that have killed nearly 700 people.
Hundreds of onlookers clapped and cheered as President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga shook hands and smiled warmly at each other after the discussions, which were brokered by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
Former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan
"I think we began to take some fair steps towards a peaceful solution," Mr Annan told reporters gathered outside Kibaki's central Nairobi office, where the talks took place.
The two leaders had not talked since the December 27th polls despite intense pressure from Western powers and millions of anxious Kenyans horrified by their country's slide into chaos.
Mr Odinga, who says Kibaki's team stole the election, said talks would continue until a solution was found. "My team and I will spare no effort to resolve this crisis," he said.
Mr Kibaki vowed to lead the east African nation to unity.
"I appeal to all Kenyans to remain calm and to shun violence as we endeavour to find solutions," he said. "I am confident that together, our experience, unity and determination will make it possible for us to overcome the challenges."
The meeting was a major breakthrough in nearly four weeks of unrest in Kenya. But none of the three participants elaborated on the content of their talks.
Mr Annan had previously persuaded the opposition Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to call off protests planned for Thursday after earlier such rallies turned violent.