Cablegate: Death of Prime Minister Meles's Father

VZCZCXRO4709
PP RUEHROV
DE RUEHDS #1755 1790819
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 270819Z JUN 08
FM AMEMBASSY ADDIS ABABA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 1125
INFO RUCNIAD/IGAD COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RHMFISS/CJTF HOA PRIORITY
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUEKDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RHMFIUU/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL PRIORITY
RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY

UNCLAS ADDIS ABABA 001755

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPDC PREL ET
SUBJECT: DEATH OF PRIME MINISTER MELES'S FATHER

1. (U) Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi's father, Ato Zenawi
Asres, passed away on June 26, after a prolonged illness. Ato
Zenawi was 82 years old. Prime Minister Meles, family and senior
government officials will attend Ato Zenawi's funeral on June 27 in
the northern Ethiopian town of Adwa. Ambassador Yamamoto will send
a personal condolence message to Prime Minister Meles. Embassy
Addis Ababa recommends that the White House and/or State Department
also send condolence messages.

2. (U) On June 27, the pro-government Walta Information Service
published the following story:

Begin News Story:

Ato Zenawi Asres, the father of Prime Minister Meles, passed
away today at the age of 82. The late Zenawi Asres was born in Adwa
town of Tigray State and served as administrator of Adwa and Bizet
woredas, among the other responsibilities he fulfilled. He also
reportedly defied both the feudal and military regimes and even went
to the bush to fight the military junta. The funeral of Zenawi Asres
will be held tomorrow at Adwa town in the presence of his family and
relatives, it was learnt. Zenawi is survived by 14 children.

YAMAMOTO

© Scoop Media