Egypt’s Sisi urges adherence to diplomatic path on GERD crisis: Presidency

CAIRO – 24 June 2020: Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi on Wednesday urged the government to currently abide by the diplomatic path of negotiations, in an effort to solve the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam crisis, the Presidency said.

In a meeting with Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouli and a number of ministers, Sisi urged intensifying consultation with Sudan as well as member states of the United Nations Security Council in this regard.

This comes as Egypt on June 19 called on the Security Council to intervene in the GERD issue, a day after Egypt’s water resources minister said talks to resolve differences on filling and operating the dam were concluded, after failing to persuade Ethiopia to refer the issue to the prime ministers of Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan as a last chance to reach an agreement,

During the meeting, which was attended by the ministers of defense, foreign affairs, water resources and irrigation, justice, finance and interior, the chief of intelligence and the head of the Administrative Control Authority, Sisi urged working at all levels to preserve Egypt’s water rights.

The meeting discussed the current situation on GERD issue developments, taking into consideration the constants and determinants of the Egyptian side in this regard, especially concerning developing a comprehensive agreement between all concerned parties on the rules of filling and operating the massive dam, and rejecting unilateral procedures that harm Egypt’s rights in Nile water.

The meeting also reviewed developments in Libya. Sisi urged continuous efforts to restore the national Libyan state institutions, achieve security and stability and preserve the resources of the Libyan people, and secure Egypt’s western border.

Sisi reiterated Egypt’s stance toward the crisis in Libya, including maintaining ceasefire and putting in place the required guarantees, in addition to dismantling militias and dismissing mercenaries, with the aim of paving the way toward a comprehensive political solution.

This comes few days after Sisi checked on the forces in the Western Military Zone and said "any direct intervention by Egypt in Libya has become legitimate in line with UNSC resolutions, and upon the call of the legitimate authority in Libya."

Sisi also urged the army to "be ready to accomplish any mission whether here within our borders or - if needed – beyond our borders.”