ABUJA, Feb. 19 (Xinhuanet) --The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Saturday took sanctions against Togo as a response to the move of the army to name the late president's son Faure Gnassingbe as new leader.

    "ECOWAS chairman President Mamadou Tandja has announced the imposition of sanctions against Togo by the organization," said a statement released by the 15-nation bloc's headquarters in Abuja.

    The sanctions include Togo's suspension from the ECOWAS, a regional travel ban on Togolese officials, the recall of west African ambassadors and a complete arms embargo, according to the statement.

    The sanctions came despite a pledge on Friday from the new president to hold elections in 60 days.

    The Togolese army installed Faure Gnassingbe in office on February 7 shortly after the death of his father Gnassingbe Eyadema despite a constitutional provision stating that power ought to pass to the speaker of the National Assembly.

    Gnassingbe's installment to power was criticized as unconstitutional by some nations and international organizations. And there has been continuous protests from the opposition supporters. Enditem