Addis Ababa — VICE-PRESIDENT Guy Scott is tomorrow expected in Addis-Ababa to attend the burial of the late Ethiopian Prime Minister, Meles Zenawi.

Zambian Ambassador to Ethiopia Francis Simenda told ZANIS in Addis-Ababa yesterday that Dr Scott and his delegation would arrive in Ethiopia at 07:00hours local time for the burial on the same day.

Mr Simenda said Dr Scott would be received at Bole Airport by ministers Given Lubinda for Foreign Affairs, Sylvia Masebo for Tourism and Arts, and Christopher Yaluma for Transport, Works, Supply and Communications, among others.

He said while Dr Scott would be representing the Zambian Government at the funeral, Mr Lubinda would today sign the book of condolences on behalf of Zambia at the Grand Palace, the residence of the late Premier.

Mr Simenda confirmed that he received a message of condolences from Zambia's President Michael Sata, which he subsequently delivered to the Government of Ethiopia.

Meanwhile, Mr Simenda said Ethiopia was deeply shocked by the death of Mr Zenawi, who passed away in Brussels on August 20, 2012.

He described Mr Zenawi as a great leader and Pan-Africanist who fought to resolve conflicts in many African countries including Eritrea and Sudan.

He recalled that Mr Zenawi led his country from conflict through democracy to economic boom in his 20 -year rule which all Ethiopians and Africans in general would remember him for.

And a mood of sobriety has enveloped Ethiopia ahead of the burial of Mr Zenawi.

In the capital Addis-Ababa, flags are flying at half mast while radio and television stations are playing solemn music and running programmes related to the success of the country during Mr Zenawi's rule.

ZANIS