U.S. says Kenyan gov't, opposition make progress to reach deal

WASHINGTON, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- The United States said on Wednesday that progress has been made between the Kenyan government and the opposition to reach an agreement and a final deal can be expected in a few days.

"We have seen progress made through (former UN secretary general) Kofi Annan's efforts, working with the parties. They do have an overall framework agreement," State Department deputy spokesman Tom Casey said.

"We certainly look forward to see an agreement reached among the parties in the next few days," Casey said.

According to media reports, Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki has agreed to share power with the opposition under the country's current constitution and pledged a new constitution within 12 months.

However, Kibaki has signaled a hardening of positions on opposition demands for the post of the Prime Minister. The opposition Orange Democratic Movement, led by Raila Odinga, has insisted on the post of a powerful Prime Minister and equal number of government posts as part of a deal to end the post-election political deadlock.

According to the Kenyan Red Cross, over 1,000 people have been killed in rioting, tribal fighting and police raids since the election and some 300,000 people have been displaced.