Addis Ababa, May 20, 2020 (FBC) – Experts stressed the need for continued public diplomacy and the media to reflect Ethiopia’s amicable on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam to the world.
Professor Biruk Hailu, a political Science and International relations expert, exclusively told Fana Broadcasting Corporate that Ethiopia has legal and natural right to utilize the River Nile for development purposes. “NO force can stop Ethiopia from building the GERD”, he added.
“Ethiopia and its people have only one interest regarding GERD, it is fair and equitable use of its water resources” said Professor Biruk who has served as political consulate of Ethiopia in five American States,
“We know livelihood of Egyptians is highly dependent on the Nile river, But they should respect Ethiopia’s right over the Nile River which is privileged by international laws.” he underlined.
He said “Now we reached a state of filling the Dam. We are now finalizing it. But, the Egyptians have taken case to UN Security council to enforce Ethiopia. The truth is in our hand. They should have taken it to the African Union instead if they need local solution. I know Many African countries support Ethiopia’s right to use the River Nile.”
Professor Biruk advised Egyptians to seek technological advancements that would help them reduce full dependency of the water of Nile River.
Ethiopia should make the water diplomatic sector its core agenda to build trust among the world community, according to Professor Biruk.
He said Ethiopia has to brief 15 member countries of the United Nations Security Council and the 5 veto powers on its stand on GERD which is based on equitable utilization of natural resources for mutual cooperation.
Ethiopia needs strong diplomatic and media advocacy to tell the Arab world that it has not an intention to pose any harm on downstream countries, and its stand complies with principles of equitable use of the Nile Waters.
Mohammed Al-Arusi, An Ethio-Saudi businessman, to his par, told FBC that Ethiopia has a right not only to utilize the River Nile but also a mandate to protect it.
“The Dam belongs to Ethiopians among whom 60 percent are leading lives without electric power. And their disere is noly to use River Nile for mutual development purposes.” Mohammed noted.
Mohammed Al Arusi who has conducted more than 90 televised debates on behalf of Ethiopia, added Ethiopians should stand together to reverse Egypt’s false propaganda over GERD.
“Ethiopia should use the media to reflect its amicable stand on GERD. We have to unite to defend our interests from any external pressure which is against our Grand Dam” Mohammed added.