February 7, 2005 No. 27 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
