Ethiopia’s parliament has selected in Hailemariam Desalegn as the new prime minister on Friday. PM Desalegn was swore in last Friday.
Reports say Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn succeeds former Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, who died on last month due to an unknown illness.
The Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front which controls majority of 546 of the 547 seats in parliament has announced Mr. Hailemariam Desalegn as the choice for prime minister.
Today, the The United States warmly welcomes Ethiopia’s selection of Hailemariam Desalegn as the country’s new Prime Minister and Demeke Mekonnen as the new Deputy Prime Minister.
In her remarks at Washington DC, Department Spokesperson Victoria Nuland says the US government commends the Government of Ethiopia for undertaking an historic, peaceful, and constitutional transition of power.
“We have had a productive relationship with Mr. Hailemariam in his capacity as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister.” -Ms. Nuland
The US is looking forward to working with him in his new position to advance issues of mutual concern to the United States and Ethiopia, including strengthening economic development, advancing democracy and human rights, and promoting regional security.
Last month, Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has died at the age of 57 after suffering from an undisclosed illness in a hospital in Brussel, Belgium.
Reports say PM Zenawi was not seen in public for about two months. PM Zenawi reportedly missed to attend a meeting of AU heads of state in the capital, Addis Ababa.
The passing of Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi gained worldwide coverage as he was considered as one of the powerful leader on transforming Ethiopia into one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies during his 21-year reign. He was one of Africa’s strongmen.
Prime Minister of Ethiopia Meles Zenawi
PM Zenawi was considered to be a key US ally in the war on terror as well.
US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has expressed sadness to learn of the passing of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia.
PM Zenawi was an important and influential voice in Africa, and the United States especially valued his role in promoting peace and security in the region.
In addition, PM Zenawi had been active in the Ethiopian politics since 1991. when he served as President. He became Prime Minister in 1995.
Ethiopia is among the countries that are on track to meet the goal of eradication poverty. PM Zenawi has played an important part in this work as recognized by other African states.
