Press Statement on the crash of Ethiopian Air Lines Flight ET 409

The Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Ato Meles Zenawi, has expressed shock and sadness on behalf of the Government and people of Ethiopia at today's events. The crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET 409 into the Mediterranean has saddened all Ethiopians, and all those whose nationals have been directly affected by the tragedy.  Today would otherwise have been a day of celebration in connection with a vital section of our society, the pastoralist community.  The Ethiopian Prime Minister was in Jigiga for the 12th celebration of Ethiopian Pastoralists' day when the news of the tragedy reached him.  Prime Minister Meles has spoken for all Ethiopians.  The Foreign Ministry wishes to reiterate that the Government of the FDRE will do all that is required, in co-operation with the Lebanese Government and all those involved in providing support for the search and rescue mission, and for those involved in the investigation of the causes of the tragedy. There is, as yet, no definitive explanation of the crash. 

The Government of Ethiopia is grateful to all parties who have assisted and continue to assist following this tragedy.  We wish to pay tribute to the Lebanese Government and to the UN force in Lebanon for all that they have done. ET-409 had 82 passengers and 8 crew members.  The passengers, 51 of which were Lebanese and 23 Ethiopians, belonged to nine nationalities.  The 8 crew members were all Ethiopians.  The Ethiopian Government wishes to send condolences to all the families affected by this tragedy wherever they may be.  It has declared a day of mourning and ordered flags to fly at half-mast.

25 January 2010

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

Addis Ababa