Togolese opposition leader Olympio demands "orderly change"

Accra, July 20, GNA -- Exiled Togolese opposition leader Gilchrist Olympio said on Monday his Union of Forces for Change (UFC) would not compromise on its demand for an "orderly change" of government and the rule of law in that country.

He said his party's call for an "orderly change", as well as proof of President Gnassingbe Eyadema's claim of victory in the last presidential elections, are some of its demands at an all-party talks that started on Monday in the capital, Lome.

Mr Olympio was speaking on telephone to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) from his Accra residence after he abandoned his trip to Lome on Sunday, citing unsatisfactory security measures.

The European Union and Francophone countries brokered the talks to help return the country to normalcy, following the confusion after the June 1998 elections that Mr Olympio and President Eyadema each claimed to have won.

Mr Olympio said other proposals include the restructuring of the membership of some statutory bodies, particularly the Supreme Court, the Electoral Commission and Press Commission, to include representation from the opposition.

He said the UFC would also ask for a date for fresh elections, addressing the problem of refugees and restructuring of the armed forces, which he said, had been tribalised.

"It is time for President Eyadema to give way to the people's choice", the opposition leader said, adding that it was his party's view that a "mutual guarantee" be worked to enable him to live without "any witch-hunting."

"If (President) Eyadema decides to go, we should give him safe passage. If he doesn't want to go, then there should be a transitional government.

"There will be no compromise on these issues...If these are not met, the meeting breaks down". He declined to say what his next line of action would be, saying, "normally, you come to the river and decide how you are going to cross it".

Mr Olympio said he would join the talks, which will last for 10 days when security guarantees are adequate.