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As deadly violence strikes Togo, Annan urges restraint on all sides

As deadly violence strikes Togo, Annan urges restraint on all sides

Following a deadly clash today in Togo's turbulent capital, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan called on those responsible to reign in their actions.

The security situation is deteriorating in the West African country, with violence in Lomé causing deaths and injuries.

Togo has been engulfed in a political crisis since its long-serving President, Gnassingbe Eyadema, died a week ago.

Under the Togolese Constitution, the President of the National Assembly should have become acting president until fresh elections were held within 60 days.

Instead, President Eyadema's son, Faure Gnassingbe, a cabinet minister, was appointed Head of State shortly after his father's death, and the Constitution was hastily amended.

In a statement released today by a UN spokesman, Mr. Annan called on all sides “to exercise maximum restraint while efforts continue to find an early and peaceful solution to the country's current crisis.”