Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, waves to the media at the Parliament of Nairobi, Kenya, 12 Feb 2008

Former United Nations chief Kofi Annan has pulled Kenya's political rivals back to negotiations, following a government protest over his proposal to end the country's post-election crisis and ethnic violence.

Mr. Annan is mediating talks between government and opposition negotiators at a secret location outside Nairobi Wednesday. He moved negotiations there Tuesday in what appears to be a final push toward an agreement.

Earlier Tuesday, Mr. Annan told parliament the two sides are discussing a "grand coalition" government that includes the party of President Mwai Kibaki and the opposition led by Raila Odinga.

Justice Minister Martha Karua objected to Mr. Annan's statements. She said he inappropriately suggested the parties were leaning toward the opposition's proposal for a two-year transitional government.

Kaura sent a protest letter to Mr. Annan, saying the transitional government has not been discussed.

Mr. Annan said it appears one of the parties may have misunderstood his remarks about a "grand coalition." Mr. Annan's said his parliamentary briefing did not imply a formal agreement between the two parties.

Kenya's opposition party accuses President Kibaki of rigging the December 27 vote to ensure his re-election.

The dispute triggered riots and ethnic violence in which more than 1,000 people have been killed. The U.N. estimates the violence has displaced 600,000 people.