Diplomatic missions based in Addis express sorrow over PM Meles’ death

Addis Ababa, August 25 (WIC) – Diplomatic missions and international organizations based in Addis Ababa have expressed their deepest sorrow over the passing of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi.

They extended their condolences at an event the Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized to present its compliments and communicate to them the funeral service for the late Prime Minister Meles Zenawi.

The diplomatic missions and the international organizations said in one voice that the death of PM Meles came as a great shock to all the international community.

Foreign Affairs State Minister, Ambassador Berhane Geberekirstos, on the occasion said the funeral service will be held on Sunday, September 2/2012 at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Addis Ababa.

Ambassador Berhane said official delegations of governments and international organizations who wish to attend the funeral service can arrive in Addis Ababa starting on 1st September 2012.

A Book of Condolence for official delegations of governments and international organizations will open from 12:00-18:00 hrs on Saturday, 1st September 2012 at the Grand Palace, he said.

All diplomatic missions and international organizations are expected to provide the Ministry with their delegations’ arrival dates and other pertinent information to the protocol directorate general of the ministry of foreign Affairs not later than 29 August 2012.

In a related development, Ambassadors of Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda Djibouti and South Sudan have so far confirmed their respective presidents will attend the funeral service of PM Meles Zenawi.
Accordingly, President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, President of Kenya Mwai Kibaki, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, President of Djibouti Ismail Omar Guelleh and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir would attend the funeral service.

Leaders of various countries are expected to attend the funeral service of the late PM Meles.