Western diplomats boycotted Togo's president inauguration

In a swearing-in ceremony boycotted by Western diplomats, 39-year-old Faure Gnassingbe was installed this week as the new president of Togo. In his inauguration speech, Mr. Gnassingbe promised to respect &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/mailbox/22/101/397/14823_mazen.html ' target=_blank>human rights. Monday, before parliament, he promised to push through democratic reforms.

The military installed Mr. Gnassingbe as Togo's new leader, after his father and former president of Togo, Gnassingbe Eyadema, died Saturday. Mr. Gnassingbe's position was later sanctioned by parliament who made him the new speaker of parliament, and changed the constitution, which had stipulated elections should be held within 60 days, says Voice of America.

The &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/politics/2002/07/11/32233.html' target=_blank>African Union threatened sanctions Tuesday against Togo as opposition grew abroad and at home to the army's installation of the son of the West African nation's longtime leader as president.