Ethiopia refuses Egyptian and Sudanese notices against the Renaissance Dam (GERD)’s filling
Ethiopia is continuing filling of the debated dam on the Nile River in the step although Egyptian and Sudanese alerting.
Indeed, Egypt and Sudan appeal for a legally obligatory deal on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD)’s filling and function to guarantee their water right, whereas; Ethiopia rejects the commitment to any deal that could limits its capability to reinforce its resources.
On his part, Ethiopian Minister of Foreign Affairs Demeke Mekonnen stated that his country possesses 86% of the river’s waters and that no one can prevent the country from benefiting from its part, indicating that Ethiopians lived many conditions during the past years to achieve the project. He noted that at a symposium organized over the 10th anniversary of the beginning of the dam.
Moreover, Ethiopia’s Minister of Water, Irrigation, and Energy Dr. Seleshi Bekele, showed his country’s commitment to the international law obligations about transboundary waters, but; he said that efforts to cooperate with the negotiating states were failed.
He also noted that the second filling of the GERD would be realized in the next rainy season that starts in July, and will not be postponed by any means.
Also, Spokesman for Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dina Mufti stated that Ethiopia has great respect for the African Union and that the country believes in resolving African problems by Africans.
Ethiopia’s FM also declared that they haven’t seen any official suggestion to constitute a quartet committee that comprises the European Union, the United Nations, the United States, and the African Union to mediate the GERD discussions.
