Brussels, 07/02/2005 (Agence Europe) - The political coup which took place in Togo, where President Eyadema had been in power for the past 38 years but who was replaced immediately after his death by his own son (appointed by the army after amendments made to the Togolese Constitution) causes concern for the European Commission.
The press release issued on Sunday by the Commission states that the European Commission expresses its great concern for the situation reigning in Togo further to the decease yesterday of President Gnassingbe Eyadema. The European Commissioner for Development Policy and Humanitarian Aid, Louis Michel, who was in Togo on 26 and 27 December,, calls on all political leaders to respect the legal constitutional framework. He calls for strict respect of procedures set out in the Constitution. Any other approach could only jeopardise the country's stability, internal political dialogue and the prospects for improving the country's relations with the European Union, the Commissioner said.