Ethiopia: “Egypt Must cease its Callous & Unlawful Pronouncements”

Addis Ababa has rejected Egypt’s Foreign Minister “irresponsible” remarks threatening Ethiopia with yet another ‘all options are open’ declaration.

Egyptian FM Sameh Shoukry reportedly said that “all options are open” to defend its interests implying the disagreement over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

The statement has drawn strong criticism from Ethiopia.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has called out the statement as “irresponsible”.

“Such a threat constitutes a flagrant breach of the UN Charter and Constitutive Act of the African Union,” the Ministry said in a statement.

Egypt FM’s remarks are also seen as “a clear violation” of the Agreement on the Declaration of Principles on the GERD signed by Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan on 23 March 2015.

“Egypt must cease its callous and unlawful pronouncements,” the Ethiopian Foreign ministry said.

The Ministry calls upon all concerned actors to take note of Egypt’s flagrant violation of principles of international relations, underscoring “no interest can be advanced through threats and intimidation.”

MoFA further noted that,

“If approached in good faith and with full respect for principles of international law, amicable solution between the three countries is within reach in the negotiations under the auspices of the African Union.

“Yet again, Ethiopia reiterates its calls on the parties to re-engage the African Union platform and reach a negotiated solution on the GERD.

“On its part, Ethiopia remains committed to a win-win settlement of this matter,” the Ministry said.