ADDIS ABABA – Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Energy briefed resident African Ambassadors in Addis Ababa on the current status of the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), and the tripartite negotiations held so far among Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt concerning the construction process of the dam.
During the briefing, Water, Irrigation and Energy Minister Engineer Seleshi Bekele (PhD) noted that Ethiopia is constructing GERD for the purpose of generating electricity and fighting poverty; and by no means will bring any significant harm to downstream countries.
Dr. Seleshi stated that GERD is being constructed with this objective; in a manner keeping friendly relations with the downstream countries and respecting the principle of international water law. From the very beginning, Ethiopia has been committed and taken all the initiatives for discussion on GERD.
During all the deliberations, it has also been providing the necessary information and way forward to reach final consensus, he added.
However, Egypt was standing in contradiction of, by politicizing the technical issues and internationalizing it. Ethiopiais still ready and calls the downstream countries for round table deliberation to solve the misunderstandings.
Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs State Minister Ambassador Redwan Hussen on his part said that Ethiopia is always committed for win-win and peaceful resolution.
During the discussion, the Ambassadors call the parties to solve disagreements through dialogue rather than inviting foreign entities.
According to the Ambassadors “if third party is needed, as the founding fathers of OAU/AU, Ethiopia and Egypt should invite AU and other African based organizations to solve the differences on with the perspectives of African Union.
The Ethiopian Herald May 20/2020
BY DARGIE KAHSAY
