Annan strongly condemns coup in São Tomé and Príncipe

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today strongly condemned the coup d'état in São Tomé and Príncipe and called for the immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order.

In a statement released by a UN spokesman in New York, Mr. Annan also called for the prompt release of government officials detained during the coup.

"The Secretary-General reiterates his firm condemnation of any attempts to seize power by force," the statement said.