Ethiopia appoints new Ambassadors and special envoys

By Tesfa-Alem Tekle

October 28, 2010 (ETHIOPIA) – The Ethiopian government announced appointments of special envoys, ambassadors and other diplomats of the country, according to state-run Ethiopian news agency.

A total of 36 officials including former foreign minister Seyoum Mesfin, were appointed to the positions which came into effect as of Wednesday.

Among others, the list includes minister of state for foreign affairs Tekeda Alemu, house speaker Toshome Toga and other high ranking officials and Ambassadors.

It was said that the appointment was made based on the education and leadership competence of the individuals.

Ethiopian government earlier this month, named a new cabinet which consists of 20 ministers, including three women, which was unanimously endorsed by the Ethiopian parliament.

The ruling Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), won a landslide victory in the country’s controversial parliamentary elections held on May 23, winning over 99 % of the vote.

The election drew criticism from both the United States and the European Union which argued that it failed to meet international standards.

Officials in the east African country have rejected the criticism and said the voting was free, fair, and democratic.

Ethiopia’s May election was country’s first parliamentary polls since a disputed 2005 vote, which led to deadly violence.

The unrest killed 193 civilians and six policemen. Over 763 people were injured.

(ST)