Celebration in Togo turns into stampede, killing at least 13 pe

LOME, Togo -- A celebration at the gates of Togo's presidential palace turned into a stampede Saturday, killing at least 13 people as excited crowds tried to surge onto palace grounds in the capital of the tiny West African nation.

Officials warned that the death toll could climb, as hospitals treated at least 50 other victims.

The event was to mark the easing of 11 years of European Union sanctions against President Gnassingbe Eyadema.

Large crowds of Eyadema's party members and others marched through the capital Saturday to the palace. When the palace gates were opened to admit them, the crushing throngs tried to push through at once.

A government statement put the death toll at 13.

The European Union announced Monday it would resume limited aid work with Togo, supporting humanitarian and human-rights projects only.

The union suspended aid to Togo in 1993 after government forces allegedly killed hundreds during election violence. Most other international aid also has been suspended. EU officials said Monday that full aid would resume only when Togo holds free and fair legislative elections.

Government spokesman Pitang Tchalla said organizers of Saturday's 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."

Eyadema has ruled tiny Togo for 37 years. He assumed power in 1967, after leading Africa's first post-independence coup in 1963.

Worldwide, only Fidel Castro has held power longer.