I am willing to challenge anyone who claims that #Egypt who contributes 0% to the Nile river should have 66% while #Ethiopia who contributes 86% should have 0% because of a colonial agreement #Ethiopia never signed. #GERD
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#Ethiopia will pursue an amicable solution through win-win negotiations. We are confident that we will reach a cooperative agreement in the coming weeks under the AU-led process. Ultimately, good-faith negotiation is the only avenue to bridge gaps and find a lasting resolution.
Our historic links through the Nile provide us with truth and faith to do what's right for the betterment of all of our peoples. GERD offers a unique opportunity for transboundary cooperation between our sisterly countries. It should never be an object of competition or mistrust.
It'd be regrettable if #Ethiopia’s call not to politicize the issue of the #GERD is not heeded by this Council. We can only hope that you will choose to be on the right side of history, for in a lot of ways, the matter being dealt with today is deeply rooted in a colonial legacy.
Mother nature is in agreement, too. This year is indeed an opportune time to begin impounding water in the GERD. Currently, both the Blue Nile and the White Nile have above normal flow. Lake Victoria is at a record high level. The High Aswan Dam is at a 40-year record high.
Egypt insistently argues the initial filling of the GERD cannot start unless agreement is reached. This simply is unacceptable. Under the DoP Egypt and Sudan agreed that filling is part of the Dam construction. And agreement has been reached on the filling schedule of the GERD.
Ethiopia has been guided by internationally-accepted principle of equitable and reasonable utilization and that of not causing significant harm. During the negotiations, we've shown a great deal of flexibility in the tripartite process to build the necessary trust and confidence.
I also wish to underline why the GERD is a people’s project, that's being built by Ethiopians from all walks of life with unprecedented zeal. My govt. is coordinating a public-owned and public-funded project. It's a responsibility to bring this project to a successful completion.
It should be absolutely clear that GERD is a development project and not a security threat. + Our efforts to ensure social progress and improve the standards of life for our people―leaving no one behind―is in line with the spirit of the UN Charter, SDGs and the AU Agenda 2063.
All rural households where 85% of Ethiopians live, and nearly two-thirds of school children are forced to stay in darkness. Once completed, the Dam will bring electricity and an opportunity for a dignified life to more than 65 million people, who currently live in total darkness.