Russia reaffirms support to the AU-Led tripartite negotiation on GERD

Addis Ababa, June 1, 2021 (FBC) – Director of the Department of African Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Vsevolod TKACHENKO reaffirmed support of his country to the AU-Led tripartite negotiation on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

Vsevolod TKACHENKO talked to Ambassador of Ethiopia to Russia Alemayehu Tegenu on various issues regarding latest developments in Ethiopia and the region at large.

Ambassador Alemayehu explained to Vsevolod TKACHENKO in details about the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) tripartite negotiation, the Etihopia-Sudan border dispute, the ongoing humanitarian activities in Tigray, preparations for the upcoming general elections and U.S visa restriction on Ethiopian officials, among others.

The Ambassador also said that Ethiopia won’t abide by the Colonial-Era Treaties made on the Nile River without its participation and will go ahead with the second filling process of the dam in the coming rainy season as was scheduled.

In regards to the situation in the Tigray Regional State, Ambassador Alemayehu has given updates on the overall effort of the Government in assisting the internally displaced persons and bringing the region to normalcy again.

As per the decision made by the U.S. Administration imposing Visa restrictions on Ethiopian Officials, the Ambassador said that the decision was ill-advised and it will seriously undermine the long-standing and important bilateral relationship between the two countries.

TKACHENKO on his part has reaffirmed the Russian position by saying that his country supports the AU – Led tripartite negotiation on the GERD and pointed out that all appropriate measures should be made during the second phase of filling the dam as per the DoP agreed by the three countries.

He also said that Russia strongly believes in non-interference in domestic affairs of other countries and it is against sanctions imposed unilaterally by the stronger nations on the weaker ones.

The Director also said that the border dispute between Ethiopia and the Sudan should be resolved through peaceful mechanisms by coming round the table and make genuine talks for the common benefits of the two nations.

On behalf of the Government of the Russian Federation and that of his own, TKACHENKO has expressed his good wishes for the upcoming General Elections in Ethiopia.