Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said that negotiations regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) have reached a dead end, emphasizing that his country reserves its full right to defend its water security should it be harmed.
Responding to a question over reports that Ethiopia has begun construction on three new dams, Abdelatty stated that Egypt’s position is “clear and unequivocal,” explaining that the GERD was a unilateral action taken by Ethiopia without consulting the downstream countries, and therefore “it is illegal and we do not recognize it.”
The Foreign Minister added that Egypt categorically rejects any new unilateral actions on the Blue Nile, asserting, “We will not accept any unilateral actions,” RT reported on Sunday.
When asked about Cairo’s stance if these projects are implemented, he replied, “We reserve the right to legitimate self-defense in accordance with the rules of international law.”
Media reports has indicated Ethiopian plans to construct additional dams on the Blue Nile, prompting strong opposition from Egypt.
Cairo declared its rejection of any new unilateral projects on the Blue Nile.
The GERD has returned to the forefront of international attention following statements by US President Donald Trump expressing his willingness to help reach a solution between Egypt and Ethiopia.
However, he has yet to announce the resumption of formal negotiations or any breakthrough in the dispute.
Abdelatty also described the crisis in Sudan as “extremely painful,” noting that the repeated attacks on civilians in the states of Kordofan and Darfur have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis.
He also pointed to the dangerous developments witnessed in El Fasher, El Obeid, and other areas.
He stressed that Egypt continues its contacts with various regional and international parties in order to reach a ceasefire and push for a political solution that preserves the unity of the Sudanese state, its institutions, its armed forces, and the integrity of its territory.
