SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES DESIGNATION OF INTERIM HEAD OF STATE OF TOGO

The following statement was issued on 25 February by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General welcomes the decision by Mr. Faure Gnassingbé to step down as Head of State of Togo and the subsequent designation by the National Assembly of an Interim Head of State who will oversee the organization of the forthcoming elections in accordance with the Constitution.

The Secretary-General notes that, as a result of those positive developments, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has lifted the sanctions imposed on Togo.

He reaffirms the commitment of the United Nations to support current efforts towards facilitating a smooth transition in Togo.

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