The Ethiopian Consulate in Dubai celebrated the May 28th celebration in the presence of more than 700 Ethiopians and Ethiopian-born foreign citizens on May 30. Yibeltal Aemro, Ethiopian Consul General in Dubai noted that that the celebration of May 28 was of great value as a day that marked the downfall of the autocratic Derge regime and ushered in the beginning of a new era of democracy. Recalling the civil strife and famine that had ravaged Ethiopia previously, forcing thousands into exile, the Consul General said, despite speculation that the country would fall apart, the EPRDF had been able to mobilize the people and bring peace and stability and development that is benefiting all in the past 23 years. He also pointed out that the fruits of May 28 have enabled a country known for famines that killed thousands to grow into one of the ten fastest growing economies in the world and a model for its achievements gained in health and education as well as other social benefits and successes in democratization and foreign relations. The Consul General thanked the Ethiopian community in Dubai for their contributions to the development of their country and called on members to renew their commitment to support the development endeavors of Ethiopia.