Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia in New Talks over Renaissance Dam

Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia started a new round of talks on Wednesday over the latter’s Grand Renaissance Dam project, which Egypt fears will affect its share of the Nile’s water.

Irrigation ministers of the three states, along with representatives from the two international consultancy offices, set to conduct a technical study on the dam, have started meetings, expected to continue for three days in Khartoum, to discuss concerns.

Egyptian Irrigation Minister Hossam Moghazi said upon his arrival in Khartoum that he hoped positive results would be achieved.

Two European consultancy firms were commissioned in April to carry out a technical study on the possible impact of Ethiopia’s dam on the downstream countries of Sudan and Egypt. The new round of talks aims at reaching an agreement between the three countries to move forward with launching the study.

Earlier this month, the tripartite committee, which includes representatives from Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt, discussed aspects of the technical study during talks in Cairo.

The talks ended after three days with no accord.

The dam, scheduled to be completed in 2017, will be Africa’s largest hydroelectric power plant. Egypt fears it will negatively affect its share of Nile water.

In March, Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia signed a declaration of principles on the dam, agreeing to safeguard the interests of all three countries.

source:Ahram Online