Togo: Resignation of Interim President and Elections in Togo

U.S. Department of State PRESS RELEASE February 28, 2005

The United States is pleased that Faure Gnassingbe has stepped down as
interim President of Togo, preparing for the return of full constitutional
order.

The Economic Community of West African States has lifted its sanctions
on Togo and the African Union has issued a statement on the Togolese
transition. We welcome the success of these two organizations in upholding the
principles of democracy and good governance enshrined in their charters. We join
with them in urging all Togolese to conduct the upcoming elections peacefully and
on the basis of consensus.

A key element for credible and transparent elections is unfettered
access to the entire country and to all aspects of the electoral process for all political parties, relevant civil society organizations and international organizations providing assistance or fielding observer missions. The United States will send a team of elections experts to assess how we may best support this effort.

Togolese governing and opposition parties and government security forces deserve credit for their responsible and peaceful conduct during political demonstrations held over the weekend. We call on all Togolese to avoid violence and to seek peaceful national reconciliation through
democratic elections.