Stampede in Togo leaves 13 dead

At least 13 people have died in a crush at a demonstration in Togo to mark improved ties with the European Union.

Others were hurt as crowds rushed to get into the grounds of President Eyadema's palace in the capital Lome, a government statement said.

Thousands of people were heading there to celebrate a recent EU move to resume some aid programmes stopped since 1993.

One report said footwear lay abandoned at the scene after the crush. Some 50 people are still being treated.

Officials warned the number of dead could rise, the Associated Press news agency reported.

Government spokesman Pitang Tchalla said organisers of the celebration "underestimated the enthusiasm of participants who turned out in unexpected large numbers for today's event, meant to express thanks to the European Union and support for President Eyadema."

The EU suspended aid to Togo amid concerns about commitment to democracy by the government of Gnassingbe Eyadema, who has been in power since 1967.

Last Monday, EU officials said they had noted initial moves toward democratic and human rights reforms and would support humanitarian and human rights projects.