Approach of Sudan, Egypt towards River Nile contradicts with international laws: MFA Advisor

Addis Ababa, May 18, 2021 (FBC)- Transboundary Resources Affairs Senior Advisor at Ministry of Foreifn Affairs, Ebrahim Idris said the approach Sudan and Egypt are following towards the River Nile contradicts with international laws.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has discussed with leaders of contending political parties on the ongoing issues of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

Advisor of the Ministry on transboundary resources Ebrahim Idris who also presented the principal point if the discussion sais Egypt and Sudan are exercising hegemonic approach towards the use of the River Nile.

He recalled that Egypt attempted to control the Source of Abay River, Ethiopia 150 years ago, has and now included in its constitution a provision that claims it is the only possessor if the River Nile.

The advisor further said Egypt has been exerting international pressures to hinder Ethiopia from getting financial grants and loans.

Currently, he said, Egypt and Sudan are trying to exploit Ethiopia’s internal affairs and jeopardize its peace and security.

The intention of the two countries is to violate Ethiopia’s rights on its water resources and bring interference of third parties into the trilateral talks.

Despite circumstances, Ethiopia still insists on amicable approach over GERD based in fair and reasonable utilization of the River Nile, he underlined.

Member of Ethiopia’s negotiating team, Engineer Gideon Asfaw, to his part, said the construction of GERD is well under way pursuant to international standards which the twi countries have agreed upon so far.

The construction of GERD has reached clise to 80pct now.