ADDIS ABABA: United States President Barack Obama, in a phone conversation with acting Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, urged the country to push forward on development, democracy, human rights and regional security. The White House said in a statement that Obama also “conveyed his condolences on behalf of the American people to the people of Ethiopia for the country's loss,” referring to the death of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi on Monday night. Zenawi's death has thrown the spotlight on Ethiopia and the future of the country. Residents, activists and observers tell Bikyamasr.com the country is facing an uncertain period at the present moment and hopes the new government will begin a reform process after seeing crackdowns against the media and minority activists. “President Obama also noted that Prime Minister Meles made significant contributions to Ethiopia's development and to peace and security in the region,” the statement continued. “President Obama underscored the commitment of the United States to continuing in our partnership with Ethiopia, and urged Acting Prime Minister Hailemariam to use his leadership to enhance the Ethiopian government's support for development, democracy, human rights and regional security.”
