Countries, organizations express sadness over the death of PM Meles

Addis Ababa, August 31 (WIC) -Various countries and international organizations have continued expressing sadness over the death of PM Meles Zenawi, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Accordingly, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said at a program organized at the Permanent Mission of Ethiopia to the United Nations that PM Meles had played a leading role to maintain peace and speed up development in Africa.

He said the UN will work in collaboration with Ethiopians towards success of development activities launched by the late Premier.

Officials including UN Deputy Secretary-General, Jan Eliasson, Chief of Staff Susana Malcorra as well as representatives of the AU, ambassadors of Turkey, Israel, Kyrgyzstan, Greece, Oman and Canada, among others, took part in the program.

Similarly, Presidents of Cameroon, Namibia, Algeria, Czech Republic and Liberia Prime Ministers of Denmark, Australia, Belarus as well as former French president Nicolas Sarkozy, among others, expressed sorrow over the death of PM Meles.

Likewise, Special Representative of the Secretary-General to the African Union, Zachary Muburi-Muita, former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and President of the Confederation of African Football, Issa Hayatou expressed condolence over the death of the Premier.

Meanwhile, Embassy of Congo Democratic Republic to Ethiopia, Ethiopians residing in France, Equatorial Guinea, diplomats and staff of Ethiopian Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya have sent condolence over the death of the Premier.

Ambassadors of USA, Belgium, Spain, Cuba and Chile based in Ireland, Dublin wished solace to the bereaved family, the Ethiopian government and people, according to the Ministry.