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GV Hotel de la Paix and Signboard (2 shots)
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SV President Eyadema shakes hands with officials and walks through compound
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SV President shaking hands with various officials
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GV Balloons floating in the air TILT DOWN TO President
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GV President unveils plaque (2 shots)
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GV PAN Hotel
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Initials ET/1647 ET/1659



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Officiating at the ceremonial opening of Togo's newest and largest hotel last Thursday (9 January), the Republic's President, General Gnassingbe Eyadema, called it a symbol of the peace in his country which was reflected by its name -- Hotel de la Paix.

Located near the capital of Lome, the 250-room luxury hotel -- sited in a cocoa plantation only a few miles from the Atlantic coastline -- was begun in 1972 and completed last September, opening for business on October 31. It was built by a Togolese-French consortium, and is operated by the African Hotel chain Hotafric, a subsidiary of Air Afrique.

Last week's official opening was marked by a festive air, with music by the National Gendamerie Orchestra and the Wilkomen Band and the release of pigeons and white balloons -- the latter emblazoned with the hotel's name.

Togo's High Commissioner for Tourism, M. Dossevi Mathe-Apossan, also participated in the inaugural opening, which was highlighted by the President's unveiling of a commemorative plaque.