Deputy Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, middle, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during an official function (file photo)
Ethiopia Delays Installation of New Prime Minister
Ethiopia has delayed plans to swear in Hailemariam Desalegn as the new prime minister, following Monday's death of Meles Zenawi.
Parliament had been expected to hold an emergency session Thursday to install Desalegn. He had served as Meles' deputy since 2010.
However, the government communications office issued a statement late Wednesday saying the session had been canceled. There was no immediate word on what prompted the delay or when an installation will take place.
Crowds of mourners gathered outside of the presidential palace in Addis Ababa Wednesday to pay their respects to Meles. The 57-year-old leader died from an infection while being treated abroad.
On Tuesday, Communications Minister Bereket Simon rejected concerns about a power vacuum resulting from Meles' death. He told VOA the country's leadership is united and the government is as "strong as ever."
Meles ruled and tightly controlled Ethiopia for more than 20 years.
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Ethiopian Leader Meles Dies at 57
Ethiopia is mourning the death of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi at the age of 57. Meles died late August 22 of an unspecified infection while seeking treatment outside the country.
Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.
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