First Filling of GERD Will Commence in Parallel with its Construction: Ethiopia’s Government

The government of Ethiopia, in a statement released today, affirms that it will commence first filling of Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), in parallel with construction of the dam, without causing significant harm on Egypt and Sudan.

While expressing its dismay over yesterday’s statement of treasury department of the United States, The government explained that it does not accept the characterization that the negotiation on the guidelines and rules on the first filling and annual operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is completed.

Ethiopia, which had notified Egypt and Sudan that it needs more time to deliberate on the negotiation process, made it clear that the guidelines and rules must be prepared by three countries, which are yet to address outstanding issues to this end, according to the statement.

Yesterday, The United States announced that  it facilitated the preparation of an agreement on the filling and operation of GERD based on provisions proposed by the legal and technical teams of Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan and with the technical input of the World Bank.

Ethiopia’s government also said that it has addressed all dam safety related issues with the full knowledge and agreement of Egypt and Sudan.