SECRETARY-GENERAL CONCERNED BY STALLED TALKS ON TOGO CRISES

The following statement was issued on Saturday, 19 February, by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is concerned that talks between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Togolese authorities on the country's constitutional crisis have not advanced.  He notes that ECOWAS has consequently suspended Togo from the regional body.  The Secretary-General reiterates his call for continued and urgent efforts to find a peaceful solution consistent with constitutional order and the rule of law.

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