Cairo seeks World Bank’s help on Ethiopia dam impasse

Egypt says the World Bank should be brought in to resolve ongoing tensions with Ethiopia over a massive dam on the Nile River that Egypt says threatens its water security.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry spoke Tuesday in Addis Ababa after a 10-month impasse over the dam’s technical negotiations. The talks also involve Sudan.

Shoukry calls the World Bank “neutral and decisive” and says “science should be the determining factor” in resolving the issue.

Ethiopia says the Grand Renaissance Dam’s construction will not reduce Egypt’s water share.

Ethiopian Foreign Minister Workneh Gebeyehu says his country will consider Egypt’s proposal and that “this dam is not going to cause any significant harm.”

The dam, now 63 percent complete, will be the biggest hydro-electric plant in Africa.

Ethiopia’s leader is expected to visit Egypt next month.

Source: The Associated Press