Minister Dlamini Zuma clarifies South Africa's position regarding Togo

Matsapha - South African Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma on Sunday, 20 February 2005 in Matsapha, Swaziland clarified South Africa's position regarding the call for elections by the unconstitutional ruler of Togo, Faure Eyadema.

Minister Dlamini Zuma said, "Togo, like many African countries has a constitution. The constitution spells out what should happen should the President die or be incapacitated for one reason or another."

"Our position as South Africa is that the Togolese must follow their own constitution. It is only the constitutional structure that can call elections and that can organise elections," continued Minister Dlamini Zuma.

"Mr Eyadema who is now in power has no constitutional authority or legitimacy to call for the elections or to organise elections," concluded Minister Dlamini Zuma.

In answering a question, Minister Dlamini Zuma further elaborated that, "Mr Eyadema must step down, because he has no legitimacy or authority constitutionally either to call for the elections themselves or to organise the elections."

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

21 February 2005