Funeral of late PM Meles set for September 2,2012

 
A military officers mournthe late Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi as they wait for his body to arrive at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital late Aug. 21, 2012. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde)

Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- The funeral of late Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi will be conducted on the 2nd, September 2012, Bereket Simon, Minister of Government
Communication Affairs Office told reporters on Thursday.

Speaking to the press at Hilton International Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital, Bereket said the funeral of the late premier would be held on September 2, 2012 in Addis
Ababa. Bereket said National Committee and sub-committees have been formed to plan the funeral. "The burial will be in Addis; and the specific place will be declared by the
committee. Regarding heads of states, it is a continuous process and some have notified us that they will come and others are expected to confirm," he said. The minister also
stated that the Ethiopian people, friends of Ethiopia and friends of the late Premier and his family have been expressing sorrow and sending condolences to the government
and to the bereaved family. "Ever since the Council of Ministers issued statement about the late prime minister, people from all walks of life have expressed their sorrow and
grief and they sent their condolence messages. All through the last three four days the Ethiopian people, friends of Ethiopia, and friends of Mr. Meles and his family have been
sending messages of condolences and expressing their best wishes for the family," he said.

Bereket stated that the people of Ethiopia have also expressed their commitment to follow the footsteps of the late leader and to continue implementing the policies and
strategies initiated by Meles and his organization. Bereket said, Hailemariam Desalegn, the current Deputy Prime Minister would be the Acting Prime Minister until an election
in 2015. The constitution stipulates that the Deputy Prime Minister takes over in the absence of the Prime Minister, he said.  (Xinhua)