(Aug 24, 2012, VOA)--US. President Barack Obama has urged Ethiopia's acting prime minister to
promote "development, democracy, human rights, and regional security." Obama spoke by phone late Thursday with Hailemariam Desalegn, who was
named acting prime minister this week after longtime leader Meles Zenawi
died at the age of 57.
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| Ethiopia's acting prime minister Hailemariam Desalegn (2011 photo) |
The White House says Obama pledged continued U.S. "partnership" with
Ethiopia, which under Meles has been a strong U.S. ally in the war
against radical groups such as Somalia's al-Shabab. Ethiopians are still awaiting word on when Mr. Hailemariam will be
formally sworn in. Parliament was set to install him on Thursday but
the session was canceled.
A government spokesman said Ethiopians wanted more time to mourn Meles, who led Ethiopia for 21 years. The late prime minister's funeral is scheduled for September 2. On Tuesday, Communications Minister Bereket Simon rejected concerns about a power vacuum resulting from Meles' death.
He said the country's leadership is united and the government is as "strong as ever." Hailemariam had served as Meles' deputy since 2010.
Source: VOA
A government spokesman said Ethiopians wanted more time to mourn Meles, who led Ethiopia for 21 years. The late prime minister's funeral is scheduled for September 2. On Tuesday, Communications Minister Bereket Simon rejected concerns about a power vacuum resulting from Meles' death.
He said the country's leadership is united and the government is as "strong as ever." Hailemariam had served as Meles' deputy since 2010.
Source: VOA
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