AU pays tribute to late PM Zenawi

Patriot and an Advocate of Pan-Africanism and the African Renaissance,” brought together officials and staff of the AU Commission, members of the Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC), representatives of diplomatic corps, the UN agencies, and international communities based in Addis Ababa.
The flag of the AU and those of the Union’s member states are flying half-mast on the premises of the AU Headquarters mourning the late Prime Minister.
Speaking at the memorial service, Jean Ping, the outgoing Chairperson of the AU Commission, hailed Meles as an inspired and committed voice of Africa and convinced Pan-Africanist.
The demise of Prime Minister Meles has silenced forever one of the most respected African voices of this decade, said Ping.
He stated that the late Prime Minister was a leader who fulfilled his commitments by cherishing the dream of extricating his country from poverty and ensuring its food security.
Meles was the emblematic figure of Ethiopia, the Ethiopian locomotive, the man who elevated Ethiopia from its status as one of the least developed countries in the world, to be one of the most rapid growths in our modern world, the chairperson said.
Under the dynamic leadership of the late Prime Minister, security and stability were re-established in the country, which clearly formed the basis of its rapid and visible transformation, said the chairperson.
“We cannot but be gratified by the promising results recorded in the country for some time now, and are convinced that the government and the people of Ethiopia will continue the work that the late Prime Minister Meles was able to put on track,” he added.
Reiterating Meles was brilliant and active leader, Ferdinand Montchho, Chairperson of the AU Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC), appreciated the energy and vision of the late Prime Minister to build prosperous Africa.
He stated the late Prime Minister played a great role in peace and security in the Horn of Africa. The chairperson said Meles was a leader who had great contribution to the African Union (AU). — AFP.