Mereja Forum

[AbyssiniaLady]

Egypt’s Higher Committee for Nile Water in permanent session over GERD




Egypt’s Higher Committee for Nile Water announced on Sunday a permanent session to discuss Egypt’s position on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) dilemma.

The committee’s meeting assessed the current GERD negotiations in light of Ethiopia’s “unjustified” stance, headed by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly with attendance from the Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, representatives of the defense, foreign, and water ministries, and the General Intelligence Service.

They discussed Egypt’s plan of action to ensure its water interests and rights.

Jordanian monarch King Abdullah II on Sunday received Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, who is currently touring several Arab countries to mobilize support for Egypt’s stance on the GERD issue.

King Abdullah echoed Jordan’s support towards Egypt preserving its water security, said Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ahmed Hafez.

Iraqi President Barham Salih also received Shoukry in Baghdad on Sunday to discuss the issue.

Shoukry expressed Egypt’s gratitude for the support Iraq gave during a recent Arab league meeting, which saw a resolution showing solidarity with Egypt’s position on the GERD passed.

Salih in turn put forward Baghdad‘s support and understanding for Egypt’s efforts in preserving its water rights – especially as Iraq itself is a downstream country in its region.

Hafez expressed regret towards Sudan’s earlier reservation on the Arab League’s stance. Egypt has been in contact with Sudan’s representative to the Arab League since the beginning of March, which did not lead to any positive results, according to Hafez.

Egypt took part in the latest meeting over GERD in Washington on February 27 and 28, which produced a final agreement regarding filling and operating the dam.

Representatives from Addis Ababa were noticeably absent from the meeting, and only Egypt has signed the agreement so far.

The Ethiopian News Agency said that the filling of the dam will begin in July, while the completion of the entire project is scheduled for 2023.

Egypt relies on fresh water from the Nile and has voiced concerns that the GERD would negatively impact the country’s water supply, especially in light of overpopulation fears, and has thus insisted throughout negotiations that measures be put in place to protect downstream countries in case of drought during the filling process at the dam.
https://www.egyptindependent.com/egypts ... over-gerd/

[AbyssiniaLady]

Egypt: Ethiopia's statements on Renaissance Dam, ’unacceptable insult


Egypt’s foreign ministry yesterday slammed the Ethiopian government’s recent remarks on the Arab League (AL)’s resolution for the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) dispute.

In an official statement, the ministry described the Ethiopian foreign ministry’s comments as “inappropriate, lacked diplomacy, and made an unacceptable insult to the Arab League and its members.”

“Ethiopia’s posture and position during these negotiations, which has been criticized by the AL, evinces its intent to exercise hydro-hegemony and to anoint itself as the unchallenged and sole beneficiary over the Nile,” the ministry said, adding that Addis Ababa was “insisting on filling the GERD unilaterally in July 2020 without reaching an agreement with downstream states [Egypt and Sudan], and while holding negotiations on the GERD hostage to domestic political considerations.”

The statement pointed out that the AL resolution was reflecting “dismay and discontent at Ethiopia’s track record throughout the endless rounds of negotiations on the GERD, particularly since the conclusion of the 2015 Agreement on the Declaration of Principles (DoP).”

The ministry noted that Addis Abba’s stance was constituting a “material breach of the DoP and demonstrated, beyond any doubt, Ethiopia’s bad faith and its lack of political will to reach a fair and balanced agreement on the GERD.”

Calling on the international community “to join the AL in taking cognizance of Ethiopia’s continuing defiance and unilateralism, which threatens to undermine regional stability and security,” the ministry stressed that Cairo was still having a “fair and balanced solution that achieves the interest of the disputed parties, and provides a historic opportunity to write a new chapter of cooperation between the three countries.”

“A win-win solution is at hand and should be seized for the benefit of over 240 million Egyptians, Ethiopians and Sudanese,” the foreign ministry reiterated.

Ethiopia is building a $5 million dam near the border with Sudan. It says it will provide the country with much-needed electricity and economic regeneration. Egypt believes that when the barrier is filled, already scarce water supplies from the Nile will be restricted.

Egypt is almost entirely dependent on Nile water, receiving around 55.5 million cubic metres a year from the river, and believes that filling the dam will affect the water it needs for drinking, agriculture and electricity.

After three-way talks between the African countries failed, they settled in the US as an external mediator.

In November, the US-brokered a meeting in Washington, setting 15 January as a deadline for resolving the dispute, which at one point looked set to break into a military conflict between Cairo and Addis Ababa. They agreed on four rounds of negotiations. The first was held in the Ethiopian capital, the second in Cairo and third in Khartoum.

Despite discussions looking up, over Christmas, they stalled again after the third round in the Sudanese capital.

Cairo wants Ethiopia to guarantee Egypt will receive 40 billion cubic metres or more of water from the Nile. Ethiopian Irrigation Minister Seleshi Bekele said Egypt had abandoned this demand, but Egypt insists it hasn’t and issued a statement to this effect.

There is also an unresolved conflict over how fast the dam will be filled, with Egypt fearing if it is filled too quickly, it could affect the electricity generated by the Aswan High Dam. Egypt wants it to be filled over seven years, at least, while Ethiopia is pushing for four.
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200 ... le-insult/

[AbyssiniaLady]

[Somaliman]

Egypt and Ethiopia conflict over the nile will speed up the disintegration of Ethiopia

Amen!

[AbyssiniaLady]

Egypt Exerts Diplomatic Pressure on Ethiopia over GERD
Monday, 9 March, 2020 - 11:30

Egypt intensified its diplomatic efforts to pressure Ethiopia to reach an agreement on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), as Addis Ababa refuses to sign the current deal.

Days after obtaining an Arab ministerial decision to support its “water rights” in the face of Addis Ababa, Egyptian Foreign Minister, Sameh Shoukry, started an Arab tour that includes 7 countries, aimed at forming an Arab safety net to support the upcoming Egyptian steps, according to observers.

On Sunday, Jordan’s King Abdullah received Shoukry, who delivered a letter from Egypt President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.

During the meeting, Shoukry conveyed Sisi's appreciation for Jordan's support of Egypt in the Arab League's (AL) last week meeting regarding the GERD. The meeting also tackled many regional issues, especially the Palestinian cause.

The King reiterated Jordan's support for efforts to reach an agreement, in accordance with international law, that safeguards the rights of all stakeholders in connection to GERD, emphasizing Amman’s support for Egypt’s national security and water security rights.

After Jordan, Shoukry will visit also Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, and the UAE, and he’ll handle officials letter from the President.

Observers expect the tour to mobilize Arab support behind the Egyptian stance towards the Dam.

In 2015, leaders of Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia signed an initial agreement on the Dam to guarantee Egypt’s share of 55 billion cubic meters of the Nile water.

Meanwhile, Ethiopia proceeded with its project, ignoring the Egyptian warnings, and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali discussed Sunday the matter with residents of Dauru region, south of the country.

A few days ago, the Ethiopian Minister of Irrigation announced that the reservoir is expected to hold 4.9 billion cubic meter of water by the end July, followed by the power generation test in March 2021. The entire project will be completed in 2023.

Sudan, the third party in the negotiations, reiterated its support for the Ethiopian position, criticizing Cairo's efforts to internationalize the crisis.

The Secretary-General of the Sudanese Energy, Mining, Electricity and Regulatory Authority, Tijani Adam, warned that internationalizing GERD issue cannot stop the project, and this only increases the complexity of matters and delays the solutions.

He added that the interference of other parties will complicate matters, adding that Ethiopia must resolve the differences through the tripartite talks only.

Ethiopian Agency reported that Tijani claimed Addis Ababa has the full right to use its natural resources and build its dam.

Addis Ababa should take its needs from the water since the origin of the river is from Ethiopia, then the rest goes to Sudan and Egypt, according to Tijani.

On Sunday, Iraqi President Barham Salih also received Shoukry in Baghdad to discuss the issue.

Shoukry expressed Egypt’s gratitude for the support Iraq gave during a recent Arab league meeting. Salih in turn put forward Baghdad’s support and understanding of Egypt’s efforts in preserving its water rights, especially as Iraq itself is a downstream country in its region.

Meanwhile, Egypt’s Higher Committee for Nile Water announced on Sunday a permanent session to discuss Egypt’s position on the GERD dilemma.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly chaired the committee’s meeting which assessed the current GERD negotiations in light of Ethiopia’s “unjustified” stance.

The meeting was also attended by the Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, representatives of the defense and foreign ministries, and the General Intelligence Service.
https://aawsat.com/english/home/article ... -over-gerd

[Za-Ilmaknun]

Egypt and Ethiopia conflict over the nile will speed up the disintegration of Ethiopia

Amen!

Next year this time ya shall see how things change in favor of who. Ethiopia might have weakened its own hand by the problems created internally. However, your pipe dream will only turn in to a nightmare once we sort out our problems. If you were a Somalian as your name suggests, you would only have appreciation for what Ethiopia is trying to do for Somalia. You could be a TPLF thug tho, who only cares for your elasticated belly. In any case Ethiopia will prevail as has been demonstrated over and over again.

https://www.thereporterethiopia.com/art ... ve-somalia

" Banking on his success in mediating peace between protestors and military administration that removed Omar Al Bashir from power, Abiy has reportedly facilitated an impromptu discussion between Bihi and Farmajo, , on February 11, 2020, while both of them were in Addis Ababa in connection to the 33rd African Union Summit held on February 09 and 10. This discussion, which was held in the Office of the Prime Minister, was indeed one of its kinds to be held between a sitting Somali and Somaliland presidents/top leaders.

According to various reports, the exact content of the discussion that went on behind closed doors is yet to be made public; however, it is known that the talks is something that Abiy has been attempting at least fort months now. There are reports and accounts of the Addis Ababa meeting held well over 45 minutes, the overall mood being re-conciliatory."

[Somaliman]

In my view, they should form a joint commission of technical experts, including engineers (Engineering geologists, Geotechnical engineers, Mechanical engineers, and Civil engineers, etc.), socio-economists, social-scientists, economists, and community experts, and leave the matter to them to focus on the environmental impact assessment, risk assessment, socio-economic impact, economic assessment, impact on people and communities assessment etc.

I suggest the above, because there hasn't been done any serious scientific work in those areas to date. Neither has been there any scientific paperwork addressing those paramount areas vital for any project of this size and significance!

Just a thought!

[opmerc]

[sun]

Egypt’s Higher Committee for Nile Water in permanent session over GERD

Egypt’s Higher Committee for Nile Water announced on Sunday a permanent session to discuss Egypt’s position on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) dilemma.

The committee’s meeting assessed the current GERD negotiations in light of Ethiopia’s “unjustified” stance, headed by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly with attendance from the Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, representatives of the defense, foreign, and water ministries, and the General Intelligence Service.

They discussed Egypt’s plan of action to ensure its water interests and rights.

Jordanian monarch King Abdullah II on Sunday received Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, who is currently touring several Arab countries to mobilize support for Egypt’s stance on the GERD issue.

King Abdullah echoed Jordan’s support towards Egypt preserving its water security, said Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ahmed Hafez.

Iraqi President Barham Salih also received Shoukry in Baghdad on Sunday to discuss the issue.

Shoukry expressed Egypt’s gratitude for the support Iraq gave during a recent Arab league meeting, which saw a resolution showing solidarity with Egypt’s position on the GERD passed.

Salih in turn put forward Baghdad‘s support and understanding for Egypt’s efforts in preserving its water rights – especially as Iraq itself is a downstream country in its region.

Hafez expressed regret towards Sudan’s earlier reservation on the Arab League’s stance. Egypt has been in contact with Sudan’s representative to the Arab League since the beginning of March, which did not lead to any positive results, according to Hafez.

Egypt took part in the latest meeting over GERD in Washington on February 27 and 28, which produced a final agreement regarding filling and operating the dam.

Representatives from Addis Ababa were noticeably absent from the meeting, and only Egypt has signed the agreement so far.

The Ethiopian News Agency said that the filling of the dam will begin in July, while the completion of the entire project is scheduled for 2023.

Egypt relies on fresh water from the Nile and has voiced concerns that the GERD would negatively impact the country’s water supply, especially in light of overpopulation fears, and has thus insisted throughout negotiations that measures be put in place to protect downstream countries in case of drought during the filling process at the dam.
https://www.egyptindependent.com/egypts ... over-gerd/

Really?

Wishful and fake disintegration propaganda news. Ethiopia will come out VERY STRONG if it plays all of its available cards correctly and rationally but not emotionally and randomly. Last but not least the issue needs to cool down so that cool minds may make cool rational decisions since win-win settlements are the main end goal.

"There are three ways of dealing with difference: domination, compromise, and integration. By domination only one side gets what it wants; by compromise neither side gets what it wants; by integration we find a way by which both sides may get what they wish." ~Mary Parker

Egyptian government is using the GERD as an internal political instrument for whipping up the feelings and emotions of the ordinary ignorant poor Egyptian citizens, mainly the highly dissatisfied youth rebelling against the military government. GERD is the military's Magic Wand for hypnotizing the dissatisfied Egyptian youth and line them up in support of the military regime while directly and indirectly preaching hate and fomenting division and weakening Ethiopians both from the inside and the outside because they think that we are fools anyway.

Currently the best approach is to go along the Sudanese suggestion to desist from the escalation of conflict instead restarting the negotiation and find reasonable rational solutions.

"Change means movement. Movement means friction." ~S. Alinsky

[AbyssiniaLady]

Blood on the Nile is what's coming if Egypt and Ethiopia continue their war of words over water
Donald Trump can actually help mediate the dispute before it escalates into violence

Ahmed Aboudouh
@AAboudouh
4 hours ago

Ethiopia’s “aggressive” rise - as it is seen by Egypt - has not enhanced cooperation, and its real aim seems to be strategic domination over the Horn of Africa, and the Nile. Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry kicked off a tour of seven Arab countries on Sunday, seeking support for their position in the dispute.

Egyptian officials insist the country doesn't deny Ethiopia's right to building the dam. The same Egyptian Diplomat said: "We have never had a grudge about prosperity and Ethiopia's right to develop. But why Cairo has to pay all the bills?"


The possibility of going to war over the Nile water is deeply entrenched in the Egyptian national subconscious because the Nile has always been the source of life in an overwhelmingly desert state. This harsh nature made Egyptians, throughout their long history, grasp that in order to maintain the water flow, blood shall sometimes be spilled. Even in its worst shape, any Egyptian government can not afford to stand aside and see its people face thirst.


However, averting a war over water is still possible, and it can come out of Trump's lust for the Nobel Prize. The US pressure on Ethiopia can result in a last-minute concession, and subsequently a diplomatic solution of the conflict, an outcome everyone is hoping for.

But for the time being, Ethiopia is isolated, Egypt is cornered, and war is looming.


the whole article
https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/eg ... 90271.html

[Ethoash]

Egypt and Ethiopia conflict over the nile will speed up the disintegration of Ethiopia

every time get me when those people who romancing war have a plan always they have plan and thing their plan will work out.. for example if Egypt started war Ethiopia will disintegrated .. that is the plan.. that is also the plan when American went to war with Vietnam, Iraq, Libya and Afghanistan and even Somalia ... Somalia was considered cake walk but the America could not find the exist they were shamed and left with shame defeated by Somalian... no one idiot will come and will say if USA LIKE IT THEY WILL DROP one bomb and erase Somalia that is right but we r talking fair fight and they lost.. big time... so my question is if super power nation like USA COULD NOT win war with Afghanistan why do Egypt think waging war with Ethiopia is a cake walk . to start with Ethiopia is 3000 meter high above sea level the Egyptian will have hard time breathing in this environment let alone waging war they cant climb our mountain their war machine will be usless in mountain area where the war is fought .. so they have to climb by foot this means they will be a seating duck ... the 3rd thing is let alone poor Egypt even American went bankrupted waging war in remote place . how in hell Egypt will wage a war we r not bordering each other that means they will set up military base in Sudan or in Eritrea then how r they going to supply this military base.. it would be bankrupted in just one or two years...

here is what will happened if Ethiopia win the war... Egypt land will be given to the native black Egyptian ..
second Nile water will be cut off.. if Sudan support Egypt they will lose their water share...

if any Arab join the war then the whole Africa will join from Ethiopia side and all 9 countries will build their own dam.. this will be risky ...if USA JOIN THEN RUSSIA AND CHAIN WILL JOIN AFRICA ..USA will never been no longer super power once they fk up their economy for second time there will not be obmama to fix it..