Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Egypt Independent
Published on 2024-02-08 10:01:07
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Ahmed Abu Zeid, recently addressed statements made by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed regarding the negotiations on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Abiy Ahmed expressed Ethiopia’s willingness to engage in negotiations on the GERD during the inquiries of the House of People’s Representatives in its fourteenth regular session.
In the context of the tripartite negotiations, the Prime Minister emphasized Ethiopia’s readiness to listen to Egypt’s demands and address them to the best of its ability. However, he also stressed the importance of the Egyptian side being prepared to meet Ethiopia’s demands. Additionally, Abiy Ahmed dismissed concerns that Ethiopia’s filling of the GERD would lead to a decrease in the volume of water in the Aswan Dam, stating that these concerns have been debunked.
In response to the Prime Minister’s statements, Ahmed Abu Zeid stated in an interview with Al-Ghad TV that the Ethiopian Prime Minister’s remarks were “somewhat ambiguous.” He also noted that Cairo had previously announced its stance on the matter. Abu Zeid reiterated Cairo’s position, stating that Egypt is not against development in Ethiopia and is willing to assist in development projects. However, he emphasized that Egypt wants to ensure the rights of its people in the waters of the Nile River.
Abu Zeid further warned against any attempt to distort the Egyptian position and insinuate that Cairo is not serious or fair in its negotiations. He emphasized the importance of reaching a clear and fair agreement that addresses the concerns of all parties involved.
It is clear from these recent statements that the negotiations surrounding the GERD remain a point of tension between Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan. Egypt has repeatedly expressed its concerns about the potential impact of the dam on its water supply and has called for a fair and comprehensive agreement that takes into account the interests of all parties involved. Meanwhile, Ethiopia maintains its commitment to the construction and filling of the dam while also expressing its willingness to engage in negotiations with the other riparian countries.
The GERD has been a source of contention between these nations for years, and finding a resolution that satisfies all parties remains a significant challenge. As the negotiations continue, it is imperative for all sides to approach the discussions with openness, transparency, and a genuine commitment to reaching a mutually beneficial agreement. This ongoing dialogue is crucial for ensuring regional stability and the sustainable management of the Nile River’s waters for the benefit of all the countries involved.
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