Secretary-General pays tribute to late Togolese President Gnassingbe Eyadema

Reacting with sorrow to the death today of President Gnassingbe Eyadema of Togo, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan paid tribute to the West African leader's legacy as a peacemaker.

President Eyadema, who played a central role in the governance of his country for almost 40 years, “made a significant contribution to the peaceful settlement of disputes in Africa in general and in West Africa in particular,” Mr. Annan said in a statement released by his spokesman.

The statement voiced confidence that the Togolese authorities “will take all necessary measures to preserve stability in the country and ensure a peaceful transfer of power consistent with the constitution and the rule of law.”