Egypt never objected to Ethiopia’s right in development but right in life outweighs: Permanent rep. to UN

CAIRO – 17 September 2021: Ambassador Osama Abdel Khaleq, Egypt's permanent representative to the United Nations, said Egypt has never objected Ethiopia’s right in life but affirms that the right in life outweighs.

Abdel Khaleq affirmed the existential dangers the country faces in light of the GERD issue, saying the Egyptian people should defend their right in life.

He hailed a statement issued by the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday encouraging Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia to reengage in negotiations under the auspices of the African Union and reach a binding agreement.

Abdel Khaleq said reaching a binding agreement is a main demand for Egypt and Sudan, saying the UNSC’s statement is a good response to Egypt’s and Sudan’s calls.

He expressed hope that a legally-binding deal is reached in the event of available political will.

Abdel Khaleq also affirmed hope that international observers involved in the negotiations perform an active role.

The UN Security Council adopted on Wednesday a presidential statement calling on all three parties involved in the GERD to resume AU-sponsored negotiations.

“The Security Council is not the competent authority in technical and administrative disputes over water sources and rivers.” The UNSC statement said

The Security Council also calls on the parties to resume negotiations, stressing the need to return to the agreement of principles signed in 2015.