FM Demeke Says Politicizing & Internationalizing GERD Won’t Lead to a Win-Win Outcome

April 16/2021 /ENA/ Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen said exerting unnecessary pressure on Ethiopia by intentionally politicizing and internationalizing issues related to the GERD will not make Ethiopia accept the colonial-era treaty over the Nile River.

Demeke made the remark on Thursday while delivering an opening speech to an online discussion that was hosted by the Ethiopian Embassy in London and organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia in collaboration with various Ethiopian Missions in Europe.

The Deputy Prime Minister said on the occasion that neither politicization nor sabotage should guide policies over the Nile but promoting cooperation, understanding, and integration should be the guiding spirit.

The negotiations over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) provide this opportunity, he said, if Egypt and Sudan follow a constructive approach to achieve a win-win outcome within the framework of the ongoing AU-led process.

Exerting unnecessary pressure on Ethiopia by intentionally politicizing and internationalizing the matter will not make Ethiopia accept the colonial-era treaty over the Nile River, he underlined.

Ethiopia would never agree with such unfair terms that seek to maintain the hydro hegemony of Egypt and Sudan, Demeke added.

Attending the discussion, one of Ethiopia’s negotiating team members, Professor Yilma Seleshi said Sudan and Egypt are keen on having a water-sharing agreement than handling the specific cases related to the GERD.

In this regard, he said, Ethiopia is not willing to sign an agreement that will compromise the development endeavors of future generations.

Lemlem Fissaha, another member of the Renaissance Dam Negotiating team, said what Ethiopia has done in going so far in trying to entertain water-sharing talks, in the absence of international agreement on the use of Nile water is commendable.

The webinar was aimed to provide an update on the ongoing negotiation over the GERD and clarify some issues related to the matter, according to the moderator, Ambassador Teferi Meles,.

The meeting was attended by more than 200 participants, where Ethiopian Ambassadors and diplomats in Europe, negotiators that represent Ethiopia over the tripartite talks, the media, Ethiopians, and friends of Ethiopia, according to ministry of Foreign Affairs.