Ethiopia's Selection of New Leadership

Ethiopia's Selection of New Leadership

WASHINGTON, September 23, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Press Statement

Victoria Nuland

Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

September 21, 2012

The United States warmly welcomes Ethiopia's selection of Hailemariam Desalegn as the country's new Prime Minister and Demeke Mekonnen as the new Deputy Prime Minister. We commend the Government of Ethiopia for undertaking an historic, peaceful, and constitutional transition of power.

We have had a productive relationship with Mr. Hailemariam in his capacity as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. We look forward to working with him in his new position to advance issues of mutual concern to the United States and Ethiopia, including strengthening economic development, advancing democracy and human rights, and promoting regional security.