Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05PARIS808
2005-02-08 15:46:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Paris
Cable title:  

FURTHER GOF REACTION TO DEATH OF EYADEMA

Tags:  PREL PGOV TO FR 
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UNCLAS PARIS 000808 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV TO FR
SUBJECT: FURTHER GOF REACTION TO DEATH OF EYADEMA

REF: PARIS 747

UNCLAS PARIS 000808

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV TO FR
SUBJECT: FURTHER GOF REACTION TO DEATH OF EYADEMA

REF: PARIS 747


1. MFA spokesman on February 7 addressed the issue of Togo
President Eyadema and the naming of his son as his successor
(reftel). Informal Embassy translation of MFA spokesman's
statement and response to questions follows.


2. BEGIN TEXT:

-- I recall to you the spokesman's declaration of February
6, 2005:

(Repeats February 6 communique reported reftel para 3.)

-- France expresses its concern regarding the modifications
which are moving away from the institutional process laid out
in the Togolese Constitution.

-- France recalls in particular the importance of the rapid
organization of free and democratic elections to set a term
for an open transition caused by the disappearance of
President Eyadema, and to give legitimacy to the institutions.

-- A mission of ECOWAS, led by Mrs. Mindaoudou, the Minister
of Foreign Affairs of Niger, in the name of the ECOWAS
presidency, and Mr. Ibn Chambas, Secretary-General of ECOWAS,
will today hold meetings in Lome.

-- France will take great account of the results of this
mission, in close consultation with the African Union, the
countries of the region, and its partners in the
international community.

QUESTION: What is your reaction to the modification of the
constitution in Togo, which allows the son to succeed the
father, without an electoral process? Does France have the
intention of suspending aid as a way of applying pressure?

ANSWER: I refer you to my declaration of today.

QUESTION: What does France think of the sleight of hand
which has given the appearance of legality to the nomination
of the son?

ANSWER: I refer you to my declaration of today.

END TEXT.


3. Abidjan minimize considered.
Leach