In the capital city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopians are mourning the sudden death of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi.<br/> <br />Zenawi had spent more than two decades fighting Islamic militancy in the Horn of Africa, earning him strong alliances with Western governments.<br/> <br />In a news conference in Belgium, where Zenawi passed away while being treated for an unknown illness, the European Commission said they hoped the country would continue his legacy and work.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) EUROPEAN COMMISSION SPOKESMAN, OLIVIER BAILLY, READING A STATEMENT FROM EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT JOSE MANUEL BARROSO:<br/> <br />"I sincerely hope that Ethiopia will enhance its path of democratization, upholding of human rights, and prosperity for its people and of further regional stabilisation and integration."<br/> <br />Back home, in Addis Ababa citizens were are still trying to come to terms with the loss.<br/> <br />2091 (SOUNDBITE) (Amharic) ADDIS ABABA RESIDENT, BEZA KINFE, SAYING:<br/> <br />"We were at a stage of solving many of our problems. We have just encountered an unexpected event when we had made major strides forward and this is very sad. I wish all Ethiopians comfort."<br/> <br />Ethiopia has declared a period of national mourning in remembrance of Zenawi.
