Speech made by Ato Hayelom Yidnekachew, coordinator of Ethiopian Diaspora Association

We, the Ethiopia Diaspora residing in various parts of the world, gathered this day of Aguust 27, 2012, at the Diaspora Square in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, deeply saddened and shocked by the unitmely death of our beloved leader, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, do hereby express our hearffelt condolences to his family, colleagues and the Ethiopia people at  large.

Whereas, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi was a visionary leader, a person of unwavering principle, a social engineer armed with superior intellectual caliber, a tireless worker in service of his people by whom he was accorded the utmost love and reverence; and,

Whereas, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi designed innovative policies and strategies for sustainable development, good governance, democracy, peace and security in the nation and in the nation and in the continent of Africa, which have resulted in the improvement of quality of life for his people; and,

Whereas, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has played an extraordinary role as Africa's spokesperson on world stage such as the G-8, G-20, World Economic Forum and more, addressing longstanding critical issues including equitable economic growth, the enviroment and peace and security; and,

Whereas, believing that each person is an assest to his society and entitled to the inalienable right to membership in his/ her community, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi established policies and programs enabling Ethiopians in the Diaspora to realize their burning desire to repatriate, or to enjoy the prevailing investment opportunities, or to simply reunite with family and friends; and,

Whereas, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi shall be remembered by his people as an emancipator, a staunch fighter against poverty, the architect of an era of equality and the rule of law, whose legacry shall shine as a guiding light for generations to come.

Now, therefore, inspired and comforted by his legacy, we hereby declare out pledge:

To rededicate ourselves to the vision, strategies and plan envisaged by our late leader Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, and to marshall with renewed vigor our resources, knowledge and experience for the full realization of Ethiopia's Renaissance Movemet: and,

To emulate his effective work in fostering Ethiopia's positive image as a nation of rapid economic growth, peace and security, democracy and the rule of law by redoubling our efforts to serve as goodwill ambassadors and thereby strenghten ties for mutual benefit between our respective countries of citizenship and residence and Ethopia: and,

To promote his qualities as a fine humaan being and an extraordinary puplic servant whose values include integrity, honesty, courage, commitment and love for his people.

Further, we respectfully requuest the Ethiopian government and people to honor our late leader by renaming the Great Renaissance Dam as "Talaqu Meles Hedasie Gedeb" (The Great Meles Renaissance Dam", and seek other fitting tributes to our fallen leader.

We take this opportunity to urge relevant institiutions and indidividuals to study Prime Minister Meles Zenawi's political and personal life and compile, publish and distribute their findings in various media and avenues, locally and internationally to benefit current and future generations in their quest for professional and personal development. We the Ethiopian Diaspora Association solemently pledge our support and services for this cause.

Our great leader, you will be missed greatly. May your soule rest in peace.

Ethiopian Diaspora Association, Addis Ababa, Monday, Augeust 27,2012.