Ethiopia reiterates negotiation on guidelines, rules for first filling and operation of GERD

Addis Ababa, June 11, 2020 (FBC) – In a press release issued today, Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Energy said Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan conducted their tripartite negotiation on the first filling and annual operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam for second day.

According to the ministry, in the second day of this meeting, Ethiopia shared its position on the current tripartite discussion to the two downstream countries.

In this regard, firstly, Ethiopia reiterated its commitment for a genuine dialogue and negotiation on the guidelines and rules for the first filling and annual operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

It is in this context that Ethiopia welcomed the resumption of the talks at the level of Ministers of Water Affairs.

Secondly, Ethiopia stressed that the Agreement on the Declaration of Principles (DoP) on the GERD shall be respected in its entirety.

Thirdly, the role of the Observers is agreed not to exceed that of observing the negotiation and sharing good practices when jointly requested by the three countries.

Fourthly, the working document of the legal and technical teams of the three countries during the meeting of February 12-13, 2020 should be the basis for negotiation. In this context, . Ethiopia shared its guidelines and rules on first filling and annual operation of the GERD. Sudan also submitted its position.

And fifthly, as agreed in the first day of the tripartite discussion on 9 June 2020, the discussion shall continue daily on virtual meetings except for Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays until negotiation is completed.

As per the press release, Ethiopia strongly believes building the necessary trust and confidence among the parties to make progress in the tripartite discussion is absolutely imperative.

According to Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Energy, Egypt`s approach to participate in the ongoing tripartite negotiation, while at the same time attempting to resort to the United Nations Security Council for the second time to exert external diplomatic pressure is not an indication of transparency and good faith in the negotiation.

Ethiopia called on the Parties to engage in genuine dialogue and negotiation in order to make sure their concerns are incorporated in the guidelines and rules for first filling and annual operation of the GERD and earnestly hopes that the international community will urge them to do so. Ethiopia is fully committed to doing its part.

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