ADDIS ABABA – The GERD is a beckon of regional cooperation and integration than an issue of bickering, so said Foreign Affairs State Minister, adding that Egypt and Sudan should embrace the GERD project for their benefit.
In an exclusive interview with Dubai based Al Arabiya television, Ambassador Redwan Hussien stated that Ethiopia provided more opportunities for Egypt and Sudan to benefit from the dam, notwithstanding their failure to appreciate it.
He added that Ethiopia must now use its resources, causing no significant harm to downstream states. As to the State Minister,Egypt should
encourage Ethiopia to finish building the dam quickly because it would serve Egypt as a lifeline and a water bank in drought seasons, taking their own request and account.
“We told Sudan that we are ready to exchange data regularly to meet their concerns for the security of their smaller dams, but their position now serves the interests of a third party than that of the Sudanese people,” Ambassador Redwan indicated.
He also opined that Sudan and Egypt should not hold on to their stance because Ethiopians cannot wait indefinitely, expecting the green light to utilize their resources.
Regarding Ethio-Sudan border dispute, Ambassador Redwan noted that military power would not give a lasting solution to the border conflict between Ethiopia and Sudan, necessitating genuine proposals on the table as Ethiopia did.
Concerning the current political situation in Sudan, the State Minister also said all parties must realize that Sudan comes first, and the interest of the Sudanese stands above all appeals.
“If parties act calmly and rationally by putting the interest of the Sudanese people above everything else, they would find a way to overcome their differences,” he further stated.
Asked if there is any Ethiopian initiative to resolve the Sudanese crisis, the State Minister said the Sudanese people have the wisdom to solve their problems without external intervention.
BY ABDUREZAK MOHAMMED
The Ethiopian Herald 13 February 2022
