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Ethiopia conducts funeral of late PM Meles on Sept 2, 2012ADDIS ABABA, Aug 23, 2012 (Xinhua via COMTEX) -- The funeral of late Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi would be conducted on the 2nd, September 2012, Bereket Simon, Minister of Government Communication Affairs Office told reporters on Thursday. Speaking to the press at Hilton International Hotel here in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital, Bereket said the funeral of the late premier would be held on September 2, 2012 in Addis Ababa. To the conducting of the funeral, Bereket said National Committee and sub-committees have been formed. Asked about heads of states attending the funeral, the Minister responded saying that some have already notified and others are expected to confirm. "The burial will be in Addis; and the specific place will be declared by the committee. Regarding heads of states, it is a continuous process and some have notified us that they will come and others are expected to confirm," he said. He also stated that the Ethiopian people, friends of Ethiopia and friends of the late Premier and his family have been expressing sorrow and sending condolences to the government and to the bereaved family. "Ever since the Council of Ministers issued statement about the late prime minister, people from all walks of life have expressed their sorrow and grief and they sent their condolence messages. All through the last three four days the Ethiopian people, friends of Ethiopia, and friends of Mr. Meles and his family have been sending messages of condolences and expressing their best wishes for the family," he said. Bereket stated that the people of Ethiopia have also expressed their commitment to follow the footsteps of the late leader and to continue implementing the policies and strategies initiated by Meles and his organization. Bereket said, Hailemariam Desalegn, the current Deputy Prime Minister would be the Acting Prime Minister until an election in 2015. The constitution stipulates that the Deputy Prime Minister takes over in the absence of the Prime Minister, he said. |