Ethiopia's new Prime Minister, 44-year-old Michael Imru, was sworn in on Saturday (26th July) by Emperor Haile Selassie.

The new Premier was named last week to replace Endalkachew Makonnen, the former Prime Minister who was dismissed, and is understood to be in the custody of the armed forces. The military accused Mr. Makonnen of not working for necessary social and economic reforms.

Michael Imru returned to Addis Ababa on Friday (25th July) from Geneva where he was Ethiopia's representative at the United Nations. He is the only son of a close cousin of Emperor Haile Selassie and his father attended the swearing-in ceremony at the Emperor's palace.

The 44-year-old leader who was educated at Oxford University in England, has the reputation of being a liberal.

A flight of Ethiopian airforce jet fighters flew over the capital shortly after he arrived home on Friday. The demonstration was seen as a welcome to the new Premier, and also as a warning that the country's armed forces were in complete control.

SYNOPSIS: The Palace of Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia where the new Premier, Michael Imru was sworn in on Saturday. He returned to Addis Ababa the previous day from Geneva where he was Ethiopia's representative at the United Nations.

Michael Imru is the son of a close cousin of the Emperor's. His father attended the ceremony.

The former Prime Minister Endalkachew Makonnen was dismissed after accusations from the armed forces that he had not worked for necessary social and economic reforms. He is now believed to be in the custody of the forces.

The new leader, who was educated at an English university, has a reputation as a liberal and his appointment has apparently been welcomed by the military.