FACTBOX-Who might replace Ethiopia's Meles?

ADDIS ABABA, June 23 (Reuters) - Ethiopia's Prime Minister Meles Zenawi says he is ready to resign after 18 years in charge of one of Africa's largest nations if his ruling party agrees.

So who might replace him? Following are the three names most widely touted, and a summary of main opposition figures:

SEYOUM MESFIN

Physicist Seyoum has been Ethiopia's foreign minister since Meles came to power in 1991. Fiercely loyal to the prime minister, he used his weight as a well-regarded former rebel fighter to help Meles purge their Tigryan People's Liberation Front (TPLF) of dissidents in 2001.

Well-respected for his skill as an international negotiator, the Addis Ababa diplomatic community consider him a contender.

GIRMA BIRRU

Trade Minister Girma may prove the perfect compromise candidate. Despite making up only 6 percent of the population, the Tigryan ethnic group, of which Meles is a member, dominate Ethiopia's political establishment.