NEWS RELEASES
February 7, 2005 (4:10 p.m. EST)
No. 27
MINISTER PETTIGREW CONCERNED ABOUT SITUATION IN TOGO
Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew today expressed grave concerns about the
blow dealt to the Togolese Constitution the day after the death of Togolese President
Gnassingbé Eyadéma.
“We are concerned about amendments to the Constitution aimed at legalizing what
Alpha Oumar Konaré, Chair of the African Union Commission, has termed a ‘military
coup.’ In the days following President Eyadéma’s death, it is imperative to ensure a
calm and peaceful transition in Togo, in accordance with the terms initially provided for
under the Constitution. We urge the Togolese authorities to set a resolute course along
the path of democracy and good governance, and to hold free and transparent
elections as soon as possible, for the well-being of the Togolese people,” stated
Minister Pettigrew.
Canada, along with its international partners, including the African Union, the Economic
Community of West African States, the European Union and the International
Organization of La Francophonie, will continue to follow the situation closely.
Togo’s Parliament amended the Constitution on Sunday, February 6, to legalize the
Togolese army’s turning over of power to one of President Eyadéma’s sons,
Faure Gnassingbé Eyadéma, on Saturday, February 5, contrary to the process
provided for under the Constitution. As previously written, the Constitution allowed the
Speaker of the National Assembly to take over on a provisional basis, with a
presidential election to be held within 60 days. The Parliament dismissed the Speaker
of the National Assembly, replaced him with Faure Gnassingbé and adopted
customized amendments delaying elections until 2008.
- 30 -
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Sébastien Théberge
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs Canada
(613) 995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca
|
