The World - News from Sept. 11, 1987
Ethiopia’s military ruler, Mengistu Haile Mariam, was elected president by the new Parliament, legitimizing his 10-year rule over the country, now a Soviet-style republic. Mengistu, elected unopposed by Parliament, known as the National Shengo, declared that civilian rule has been restored. Parliament elected Fisseha Desta as vice president and Fikre-Selassie Wogderess as premier. The Soviet Union, Ethiopia’s closest ally and chief arms supplier, sent a high-level delegation led by Politburo member Lev Zaikov to the ceremonies.
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