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Ethiopia Rejects Egyptian, Sudanese Warnings Against Filling GERD

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is the largest hydroelectric power station in Africa (AP)
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is the largest hydroelectric power station in Africa (AP)
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Ethiopia Rejects Egyptian, Sudanese Warnings Against Filling GERD

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is the largest hydroelectric power station in Africa (AP)
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is the largest hydroelectric power station in Africa (AP)

Ethiopia is proceeding with the second filling of the controversial dam on the Nile River despite Egyptian and Sudanese warnings.

Egypt and Sudan call for a legally binding agreement on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD)'s filling and operation to guarantee their water right, while Ethiopia refuses to commit to any agreement that limits its capability to develop its resources.

Ethiopian Minister of Foreign Affairs Demeke Mekonnen said that his country owns 86% of the river’s waters and that no one can prevent the country from benefiting from its share.

He noted that Ethiopians had gone through several ups and downs over the past years to realize the project.

Demeke made the remark at a symposium organized over the 10th anniversary of the commencement of the dam.

Ethiopia's Minister of Water, Irrigation, and Energy Dr. Seleshi Bekele, for his part, expressed his country's commitment to the international law obligations regarding transboundary waters.

Yet, he added that efforts to cooperate with the negotiating states were in vain.

Bekele said the second filling of the GERD would be implemented in the coming rainy season, which starts in July, and “will not be postponed by any means.”

Spokesman for Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dina Mufti said that Ethiopia has “great respect for the African Union” and that the country “believes in resolving African problems by Africans.”

Ethiopia’s FM also said that they haven’t received an official proposal to form a quartet committee that includes the European Union, the United Nations, the United States, and the African Union to mediate the GERD talks.

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Arab World

Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
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Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)

Pakistan’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain sparked controversy when he revealed that 50,000 Pakistanis have gone missing in Iraq over the years.

He urged the Baghdad government to immediately launch a probe into how the Pakistanis entered Iraq to visit religious sites during the month of Muharram, he was quoted as saying by Pakistan’s Ummat newspaper.

Islamabad is investigating how people have traveled outside Pakistan through illegal means, he remarked.

The permanent committee for religious affairs and interfaith harmony has since proposed new policies for trips to holy sites in foreign countries, including Iraq.

In Iraq, the minister’s comments drew mockery and condemnation on social media and sparked renewed debate over illegal workers in the country.

Politician Mishaan al-Juburi urged the government to make a statement over Hussain’s comments, warning that they may impact security and the labor force.

Hussain’s comments coincided with Iraqi police announcing the arrest of six Pakistanis in Baghdad on charges of theft.

Previously, military intelligence also announced the arrest of a nine-member Pakistani kidnapping and extortion gang in Baghdad. The gang had kidnapped foreigners for ransom.

Meanwhile, Labor Minister Ahmed al-Asadi expressed his concern and condemnation over the increasing number of illegal workers in Iraq.

He said his ministry will investigate the disappearance of the Pakistanis.

He confirmed that several tourists, including Pakistanis, have flocked to Iraq in recent days, and many have taken up employment without the necessary legal permits.

He warned that this phenomenon is negatively impacting the national economy.

The ministry will not be lenient in taking the necessary legal measures against the violators, he vowed.

Iraq welcomes all tourists, whether they are here on a religious visit or otherwise, but they must respect local laws and regulations, declared Asadi.

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala.