ADDIS ABABA- Having made several walkouts during previously held African Union (AU )- led Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) talks particularly on the second filling of the dam, Egyptian government has once again publicly acknowledged Ethiopia’s firm stance on the GERD.
According to Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry , second filling of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) will not negatively impact Egypt as Egypt still has the Aswan High Dam reservoir to rely on. The Egypt Independent reported on Tuesday quoting Shoukry’s remark that Egypt can deal with the second filling of the Renaissance Dam through tight procedures in managing water resources.
“We have confidence that the second filling of the dam will not affect Egyptian interests,” the Foreign Minister said in an interview with TV host Nashat al-Delhi. “The international moves show the importance of the issue and allow the president of the African Union to be briefed on the Egyptian viewpoint, which is characterized by flexibility, moderation, and the desire to get out of the crisis by reaching an agreement.”
Regarding the US envoy to the Horn of Africa, the Foreign Minister said: “The American envoy has experienced by virtue of holding many positions that qualify him to interact quickly with the issue of the Renaissance Dam.” “Egypt is awaiting an invitation from the Presidency of the African Union to hold the Union’s office in the presence of the parties to make a a decision that will lead to another opportunity to the negotiation process, through a new framework that involves more effective participation by international observers, which will contribute to converging views together to develop solutions towards reaching an agreement.” The construction of the dam, which began in 2011, is considered to be one of Egypt’s most serious water issues.
BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
The Ethiopian Herald May 19/2021
