Ethiopia reacts to US  statement on GERD talks

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By:Jama Farah ,Horndiplomat Contributor 

Ethiopia government noted with disappointment the Statement issued by the United States Department of Treasury on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) released on 28 February 2020.

The following statement was issued today by the Ethiopia Foreign Affairs Ministry.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Energy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia noted with disappointment the Statement issued by the United States Department of Treasury on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) released on 28 February 2020, following a meeting held without Ethiopia’s participation. Ethiopia had notified Egypt, Sudan, and the US that it needed more time to deliberate on the process.

Ethiopia as the owner of the GERD will commence first filling of the GERD in parallel with the construction of the Dam in accordance with the principles of equitable and reasonable utilization and the causing of no significant harm as provided for under the Agreement on the Declaration of Principles (DoP).

Ethiopia does not accept the characterization that the negotiation on the Guidelines and Rules on the First Filling and Annual Operation of the GERD (Guidelines and Rules) is completed. The “text” reportedly initialed by the Arab Republic of Egypt in Washington D.C. is not the outcome of the negotiation or the technical and legal discussion of the three countries. Ethiopia made it clear that the Guidelines and Rules must be prepared by the three countries. The Countries are yet to address outstanding issues pertaining to the finalization of the Guidelines and Rules.

Ethiopia, with the full knowledge and agreement of Egypt and Sudan has addressed all dam safety related issues during the International Panel of Experts process. Egypt and the Sudan had expressed their appreciation under Principle 8 of the DOP and Ethiopia will continue to implement it in good faith.

Ethiopia is committed to continue its engagement with the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Republic of the Sudan to address the outstanding issues and finalize the Guidelines and Rules on the first filling and annual operation of the GERD.

1 COMMENT

  1. The response of the Ethiopian Government Officials is appropriate. Items that ought to be included in such responses is to emphasize Ethiopia is the source sovereign country of almost 90% of the waters of the Nile that reaches both Sudan and Egypt. Moreover, I urge the Ethiopian Government, to stop participating in the present setup of the United States being a bully moderator cum enforcer. Start new venue offering The Africa Union as a forum. Never ever participate in any negotiations or talks that includes the United States Government led by President Trump. The Trump Family members, such as Jared Kushner are involved in massive financial interest with Saudi, Emeriti, Qatari et cetera Sovereign wealth. Avoid them like the plague. Ethiopia owns the “gold” i.e. the waters of the Nile, then it makes the rule. Long Live Righteous Ethiopia. Tecola W Hagos

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