Ethiopia observed a day of mourning on the 25th of January following the accident outside Beirut, where fears are that 90 lives were lost. Ethiopian television and radio cancelled much of their daily broadcasts to mourn the accident. Flags were flying at half mast. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has expressed his heartfelt condolences over the accident.
The plane was en route from Beirut to Addis Abeba when it went missing from the airport radar in Beirut. Search and rescue-operations were ongoing yesterday. The cause of the accident is under investigation. 9 nationalities were aboard the plane.
The accident puts its mark on Ethiopia and all people who have an attachment to the country. The flag-carrier Ethiopian Airlines is a source of pride for the land. Many Ethiopian are also working outside of their homeland. Foreigners are frequently travelling to Ethiopia to engage in business and development activities. The loss is felt by all of us.
We mourn the victims.
Addis Abeba
26.1.10