Egypt says won’t accept ‘incomprehensive’ deal on Ethiopian dam

Egypt says won’t accept ‘incomprehensive’ deal on Ethiopian dam

Egypt will not accept incomprehensive deal on Ethiopian dam that does not take into account the former's concerns or defers solving disputing issues, Egyptian Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation has stressed.

The ministry's statement came out late Wednesday after the sixth day of negotiations between Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia, with still no agreement reached on issues regarding the dam's filling and operation.

The ministry also told international observers attending the meetings that Egypt has submitted many proposals to settle the dispute which all were rejected by the Ethiopian side.

It further said that Ethiopia's inflexible stance on the technical and legal aspects in the talks reduces the chances of reaching an agreement, noting that these points represent the backbone of any possible agreement between the three countries.

During the Wednesday meeting, the Egyptian delegation showcased its views on technical issues relating to the mitigation measures for droughts and prolonged droughts, and measures to address prolonged dry years during the dam filling and operation, as well as the rules of filling after prolonged droughts.

Meanwhile, the observers put forward some notes and inquiries with the aim of bringing the different views closer, to which the technical and legal committees of the three countries respond.