Body of late Ethiopian PM arrives home

ADDIS ABABA - Body of the late Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi arrived at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital late Tuesday.

The body of Ethiopia's Prime Minister Meles Zenawi is escorted upon arrival in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa early Aug 22, 2012. Thousands of Ethiopians descended on the centre of the capital Addis Ababa on Tuesday to mourn Zenawi, their firm-handed ruler of more than two decades, whose body was flown home after his death in a Brussels hospital at 57. [Photo/Agencies]

Families and relatives of the late prime minister, senior government officials, Ethiopian citizens and foreigners have been waiting for the arrival of the body of the late Prime Minister at the airport and around.  

Meles Zenawi passed away last night due to sudden infection, state TV reported on Tuesday.

Meles had been recovering at hospital abroad, but passed away due to a sudden infection last night, Bereket Simon, Ethiopian Minister of the Government Communication Affairs Office, told reporters on Tuesday here in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

National flags are being kept half-mast and the country goes mourning of him.

According to the Ethiopian constitution, the Deputy Prime Minister is taking over acting prime minister.

"The constitutional procedures allow us to continue with the deputy prime minister as acting prime minister and he will take oath at the parliament," said Bereket.

Meles became president of the transitional government from 1991 to 1995. He was elected prime minister in 1995 and had been the country's prime minister till his death.