ADDIS
ABABA, Ethiopia
U.S.
Secretary of State Michael Pompeo has said his government “won’t impose a
solution” on Ethiopia in negotiations with Egypt and Sudan regarding the $5
billion Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) project.
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| U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedu Andargachew Alene (not seen) hold a joint press conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on February 18, 2020. |
The
remarks were in response to a question during a news conference in Addis Ababa
that his government clearly takes sides with Egypt in the U.S.-sponsored talks
between Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan on the filling and operation of GERD.
Pompeo
said it was an initiative of U.S. President Donald Trump launched in November
to provide the three countries an opportunity to resolve differences though
dialogue after the last trilateral technical talks failed to bring about a
breakthrough.
The three
countries met seven times, including last week in Washington, but no conclusive
agreement has been made.
Egypt
says it fears GERD would significantly reduce Nile River water flowing into its
borders while Ethiopia maintains it needs the hydro power scheme for its
national development.
Concerning
the agreement the U.S. is co-writing for consideration with negotiating teams
of the three countries, Pompeo said, "we are working on it, and the final
element of an agreement is coming to finality, but still work remains to be
done."
“In the
coming few months we would find a solution,” he said. “I am optimistic.”
Trump
made it a priority to work with the three countries to ‘’get a good outcome, to
effectively mediate,” he said.
Pompeo
and his Ethiopian counterpart, Gedu Andargachew, said regional security
featured prominently during their discussions. Pompeo also met and held
discussed with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and President Sahle-Work
Zewde.
"Our
relationship provides strong foundation cooperation on matters of security,"
he said. “We have committed ourselves … fighting against al-Shabab and other
Islamist terror."
He noted
the institutional strength of the African Union serves as a mechanism of
conflict prevention.
"Peace
in Africa is won by Africans," he said.
"The
Abiy administration believes in inclusive democracy so does America. We talked
about upcoming Ethiopian elections. A free and credible elections where
everyone has a voice.’’ - Africa
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