VICE PRESIDENT EXPECTED IN ETHIOPIA FOR ZENAWI’S BURIAL

From Emmanuel Banda in Addis Ababa

Vice President Guy Scott is this Sunday expected in Addis Ababa to attend the burial of the late Ethiopian Prime Minister, Meles Zenawi.

Vice President Guy Scott

Zambian Ambassador to Ethiopia Francis Simenda told ZANIS in Addis Ababa today that Dr. Scott and his delegation will arrive in Ethiopia on September 2, 2012 at 07:00hours local time for the burial of the late Mr Zenawi on the same day.

Mr. Simenda said the Vice President will be received at Addis Ababa Airport by Foreign Affairs Minister, Given Lubinga, Tourism and Arts Minister, Sylvia Masebo and Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications Christopher Yaluma among others.

He said while Dr. Scott will be representing the Zambian government at the funeral of Mr. Zenawi, Mr. Lubinda will sign the book of condolences on behalf of Zambia tomorrow, Saturday, at the Grand Palace, the residence of the late premier.

Mr. Simenda has confirmed that he received a message of condolences from Zambia’s President Michael Sata, which he subsequently delivered to the government of Ethiopia.

Meanwhile, Mr. Simenda said Ethiopia is deeply shocked by the death of Mr. Zenawi, who passed away in Brussels on August 20, 2012.

He described the late Zenawi as a great leader and Pan Africanist who fought to resolve conflicts in many African countries including Eritrea and Sudan.

Mr. Simenda recalled that Mr. Zenawi led his country from conflict through democracy to economic boom which all Ethiopians and Africans in general will remember him for.

He added that the late Ethiopian Prime Minister fought against illiteracy and hunger in Ethiopia while creating a lot of employment in the country as the economy boomed during his 20 year rule.

And a mood of sobriety has enveloped Ethiopia ahead of the burial of the late Mr. Zenawi.

In the capital Addis Ababa, flags are flying at half mast while radio and television stations are playing solemn music and running programmes related to the success of the country during the deceased leader’s rule.

ZANIS