Egypt’s Sisi reassures citizens about Ethiopian Dam, vaccination strategy

CAIRO – 6 February 2021: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi surprisingly made remarks to MBC Masr’s Al-Hekaya program via telephone on Saturday night, where he discussed a number of topics, including the Ethiopian Dam talks and vaccination plans.

GERD

The president reassured citizens about both files. Concerning the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, Sisi said Egypt is fighting through negotiations, affirming that the ongoing talks to reach a binding legal agreement on the dam should lead to a result.

The GERD is the issue of all Egyptians and we are fighting through talks to ensure Egypt’s rights in this regard.

Coronavirus

The president said the state is studying all topics related to choosing and arranging priority groups within the country’s vaccination strategy.

He added that priority groups within the state's plan, including medical workers and people with chronic diseases, are estimated from 30 to 35 million people, who need 70 million doses.

Libya

Sisi commented on the selection of a new interim government and presidential council in Libya, describing it as a step on the right direction.

The president affirmed Egypt’s readiness to cooperate with the new Libyan executive authority after they are approved by the parliament.

Administrative corruption

The president spoke about two recently-afflicted buildings in Giza and Alexandria, blaming the building violations on administrative and organizational corruption.

Recently, a 10-storey building in Alexandria was evacuated after it leaned. Another taller building in Giza was evacuated after a fire broke into it and continued for several days. The fire reportedly started in an unlicensed shoe store at the basement.

When we have launched the project of reconciliation in building violations, we were telling people that we have a big problem represented in the absence of the state for many years, Sisi said.

He added that administrative and organization corruption have led to the emergence of such problems.

Overpopulation

Sisi reiterated that overpopulation is a major problem facing the state’s constructive efforts since the time of President Gamal Abdel Nasser.

The president said the state is paying great attention to the family planning issue during this period, adding that no tough procedures would be taken for now to combat overpopulation.

Road projects

Asked to reply on people who are annoyed of the fast pace of the state’s establishment of new roads and bridges, Sisi said these projects contribute to avoiding time and fuel waste.

The president revealed that every year, additional 200,000 cars are driven in the Egyptian streets.