ICG: we have no direct knowledge of Meles’ health
Posted by Ogadentoday-Chief Editor on July 31 2012 07:29:15
York – Brussels-based non-profit, the International Crisis Group, categorically denied rumors that cited the organization and pronounced the death of Ethiopia's Prime Minister. On July 30, shortly after 2 p.m. an opposition outlet, ESAT radio announced the premier dead as breaking news citing diplomatic and international sources, including the ICG. Social media exploded when rumors spread that "ICG declared Meles Dead." The Prime Minister has been out of the public eye for 40 days now. His whereabouts and health has been a subject of wild speculations and rumors starting mid-July. After initially refusing to disclose any information regarding the premier's health, government spokesman, Bereket Simon told reporters in Addis Ababa on July 19 that the prime minister was on a doctor prescribed sick leave and will resume full duty without specifying when.
Extended News
ICG: we have no direct knowledge of Meles’ health
(Ogadentoday Press)- York – Brussels-based non-profit, the International Crisis Group, categorically denied rumors that cited the organization and pronounced the death of Ethiopia's Prime Minister.
On July 30, shortly after 2 p.m. an opposition outlet, ESAT radio announced the premier dead as breaking news citing diplomatic and international sources, including the ICG. Social media exploded when rumors spread that "ICG declared Meles Dead."
The Prime Minister has been out of the public eye for 40 days now. His whereabouts and health has been a subject of wild speculations and rumors starting mid-July. After initially refusing to disclose any information regarding the premier's health, government spokesman, Bereket Simon told reporters in Addis Ababa on July 19 that the prime minister was on a doctor prescribed sick leave and will resume full duty without specifying when.
Shortly afterwards, a pro-government paper, Addis Fortune, in a massive headline, declared, citing anonymous government sources, that Meles was back in town.
A few days later, another Addis Ababa-based weekly also affiliated with the ruling party, The Reporter, offered a contradicted the news and indicated that Zenawi was still abroad.
For a few days, Ethiopia's rumorville and gossip columns were running out of scenarios. That is until yesterday when ESAT breathed life into it.
opride.