UN SECRETARY General Kofi Annan has launched a conference on new and restored democracies, praising Benin in his opening address as a “shining example” of democracy in Africa. “In transferring power smoothly, through the ballot box, Benin is a shining example for Africa and other continents to follow,” Annan told representatives from more than 90 countries in Cotonou for the three-day meeting. – AFP