Annan calls for end to incitement in Togo after reported post-election violence

Voicing grave concern over reported violence in Togo after Sunday's presidential elections and today's announcement of preliminary results, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has called on all sides to refrain from any further incitement.

"The Secretary-General reiterates his urgent appeal for calm, and calls upon the various political leaders and their supporters to refrain from any actions or statements that incite further violence or promote hatred and divisions in the country," said a statement issued by Mr. Annan's spokesman. "He also calls on the security forces to exercise similar restraint."

Mr. Annan reiterated his support for regional efforts to promote peace in the tiny West African country, which has been roiled by unrest ever since the death in February of President Gnassingbe Eyadema, when Mr. Eyadema's son, Faure Gnassingbe, was appointed Head of State even though the constitution called for the President of the National Assembly to become acting president until fresh elections.

The constitution was amended, but Mr. Gnassingbe stepped down after the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) imposed sanctions and stood as candidate of the ruling party in Sunday's poll, in which he has now been declared the winner.

"The Secretary-General continues to support efforts by regional leaders and institutions, in particular ECOWAS, to promote peace in Togo," the statement said, adding that Mr. Annan welcomed the initiative taken yesterday by the African Union Chairman, President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, "to encourage dialogue and national reconciliation in Togo."