Senator Ellis to honor Ethiopian President Girma Wolde-Giorgis on Senate Floor

President meets with Governor Perry at 2pm, Senators at 3pm

AUSTIN -- Senator Rodney Ellis (D-Houston) today will introduce and honor his Excellency, Lieutenant Girma Wolde-Giorgis, President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

President Girma was elected in October 2001 and previously served in the Council of People's Deputies, in the Ethiopian air force and as a member of the imperial parliament back in the 1960s.

President Girma has been a stalwart champion of democracy, working to protect civil rights, promote institutional reforms and improve the nation's economy. He is touring Texas and the United States to meet with leaders to discuss trade, education and more.

President Girma will visit Houston on Wednesday.

WHAT:	Honoring his Excellency, Lieutenant Girma Wolde-Giorgis, President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
WHO:	Senator Rodney Ellis
WHEN:	3:00 p.m., Monday, March 5, 2007
WHERE:	Senate Floor

# # #