Ethiopia Rejects Arab League's Resolution on GERD

The Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Ethiopia rejected the resolution adopted recently by the League of the Arab States (LAS) over the issue of the Ethiopian Grand Renaissance Dam, known as GERD, according to al-Arabiya satellite channel on Friday. 

A few hours ago, Addis Ababa summoned eight ambassadors including its ambassadors in Cairo and Khartoum. 

Nebiat Getachew, official spokesman of the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told Al-Ain news website that Addis Ababa had summoned its ambassadors from Egypt, Sudan, Russia, the United Kingdom and other few countries for “ordinary measures that happen from time to time.”

Getachew stressed to the UAE-owned website that the recalling of the Ethiopian ambassadors form Cairo and Khartoum is not related to the recent developments of the GERD issue. 

On Thursday, the Arab Foreign Minister were convened in Cairo and categorically supported the position both Egypt and Sudan against what they called “The negative stance” of Ethiopia regarding the last round of negotiations over the GERD hosted by the United States. 

The Arab ministers affirmed their refusal to prejudice the historical rights of Egypt and Sudan in the waters of the Nile or harm their interests, stressing that the water security of Egypt and Sudan is an integral part of the Arab national security. 

Moreover, they stressed the solidarity of the LAS member states with Egypt and Sudan in facing the risks, impacts and potential threats to fill and operate the GERD without reaching a fair and balanced agreement with Ethiopia on the rules for filling and operating the dam.

The Arab ministers also stressed the need for Ethiopia to adhere to the principles of international law.

The ministers stressed that the draft agreement prepared by the United States and the World Bank is a comprehensive, balanced and fair proposal that will achieve the interests of the three riparian countries of the Blue Nile River and invite Ethiopia to consider approving this agreement.

Accordingly, the Arab ministers expressed their dissatisfaction with Ethiopia's absence from the ministerial meeting held at the US Treasury on February 27 and 28 because of the negative and non-constructive stance that this impedes the international efforts to reach a fair and balanced agreement on the rules for filling and operating the dam.