Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi dead at 57
Source: Agencies |
August 22, 2012, Wednesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
MELES Zenawi, Ethiopia's long-time ruler who held tight control over the East African country died of an undisclosed illness. He was 57.
Meles died on Monday night after contracting an infection, state TV said.
Hailemariam Desalegn, who was appointed deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs in 2010, became acting prime minister and will be sworn in as prime minister after an emergency meeting of parliament, said Bereket Simon, the communications minister. Parliament is controlled by Meles' ruling party and governing coalition, ensuring Hailemariam will be approved. No new elections will be scheduled, Bereket said.
Bereket did not say where Meles' died, only that he was abroad for medical treatment. Officials had expected Meles to return to Ethiopia but a sudden complication reversed what had been a good recovery. The council of ministers declared a national day of mourning.
Meles became president in 1991 after helping to oust Mengistu Haile Mariam's military junta. Meles became prime minister in 1995, a position that is both the head of the federal government and armed forces.
The US has long viewed Meles as a strong security partner and has given hundreds of millions of dollars in aid over the years. US military drones are stationed in Ethiopia.
Meles is survived by his wife Azeb Mesfin, a member of parliament, with whom he had three children.
Meles died on Monday night after contracting an infection, state TV said.
Hailemariam Desalegn, who was appointed deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs in 2010, became acting prime minister and will be sworn in as prime minister after an emergency meeting of parliament, said Bereket Simon, the communications minister. Parliament is controlled by Meles' ruling party and governing coalition, ensuring Hailemariam will be approved. No new elections will be scheduled, Bereket said.
Bereket did not say where Meles' died, only that he was abroad for medical treatment. Officials had expected Meles to return to Ethiopia but a sudden complication reversed what had been a good recovery. The council of ministers declared a national day of mourning.
Meles became president in 1991 after helping to oust Mengistu Haile Mariam's military junta. Meles became prime minister in 1995, a position that is both the head of the federal government and armed forces.
The US has long viewed Meles as a strong security partner and has given hundreds of millions of dollars in aid over the years. US military drones are stationed in Ethiopia.
Meles is survived by his wife Azeb Mesfin, a member of parliament, with whom he had three children.
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