Egypt Submits Rejection to UNSC over Ethiopia's Unilateral Filling of GERD

The Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry addressed a letter to the President of the United Nations Security Council to declare Egypt’s objection and complete rejection of Ethiopia’s continuation of filling the Renaissance Dam (GERD) unilaterally without an agreement with Egypt and Sudan on the filling and operation of this dam.

"This is a clear violation of the 2015 Declaration of Principles Agreement, and a serious violation of the applicable rules of international law, which obligate Ethiopia, as the upstream country, not to harm the rights of downstream countries," the statement added.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Hafez said that Egypt received a letter from Ethiopia on July 26, in which it stated that Addis Ababa will continue filling the Renaissance Dam reservoir during the current flood season. It is a measure rejected by Egypt and a violation of the obligations imposed by international law.

The spokesman said that Egypt renewed its demand for Ethiopia to comply with the rules of international law and the principles that govern cross-border waterways.

He added that Cairo holds Addis Ababa fully responsible for any major damage to Egyptian interests that may result from Ethiopia's violation of its obligations.

The spokesman concluded that Egypt affirms its legitimate right guaranteed by the Charter of the United Nations to take all necessary measures to protect its national security from any risks posed by unilateral measures taken by Ethiopia in the future.