Month: March 2020

Former President Dr. Mulatu Teshome Delivers PM Abiy Ahmed’s Message on GERD to EU and French Officials

A high-level delegation led by H.E. former president Dr. Mulatu Teshome, has concluded its mission to deliver the message of H.E. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to the leadership of the EU Council and Commission as well as to French president H.E. Emmanuel Macron.

The message to Council president Charles Michel was delivered to Mr. Francois Roux, Chief of Cabinet while the message to EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, was delivered to HE Josep Borrell, Vice-President of the European Commission and High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy of the European Union.

On the following day, the message to H.E. President Macron was delivered to his Senior adviser for African Affairs H.E. Franck Paris.

During his encounter with the EU and French officials, Dr. Mulatu explained Ethiopia has been committed to finding a win- win solution to the ongoing negotiation between Ethiopia, Egypt and the Sudan with regards to the first filling and annual operation of the GERD.

He explained at length Ethiopia’s commitment, from the outset, to promote the principles of equitable and reasonable utilization and not causing significant harm.

H.E. Dr, Mulatu has further explained that based on the clear stipulation of the Declaration of Principles signed between the three parties in 2015 Ethiopia will have to continue the first filling of the GERD in parallel with the construction of the Dam.

He further expressed the need to set the record straight that Ethiopia has never backed down on the ongoing negotiations on the matter but rather requested all parties to the negotiation for more time to conclude its national consultation on the status of the negotiation.

Both the EU and the French officials have noted Ethiopia’s intent to look for a win-win solution.

They have also further affirmed the discussion has helped them understand what salient differences lay in the negotiation and expressed their wishes for the three parties to reach a mutual understanding on the matter.

The engagement is believed to have helped clear Ethiopia’s position on the status of the negotiation and get an understanding from the EU and France.

The tour is part of Ethiopia’s intention to create an understanding and support on the ongoing tripartite negotiation on the first filling and annual operation of the GERD to Nile Riparian countries and international partners at large.

Joint Press Statement Issued following the Discussions Between H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde, President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and H.E. Yuweri Museveni President of the Republic of Uganda

At the invitation of His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, Her Excellency Mrs. Sahle–Work Zewde, President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia paid a one-day working visit to the Republic of Uganda on 13 March 2020.

2. Ina warm and cordial atmosphere, the two Heads of State held official talks at State House, Entebbe. The two leaders exchanged views on a wide range of bilateral, regional and international matters of mutual interest.

3. On the Nile Basin, H.ESahle-Work Zewdewelcomed Uganda’s ratification of the Cooperative Framework Agreement. She noted that with Uganda’s ratification, an additional two ratifications would facilitate the entry into force of the Agreement.

4. H.ESahle-Work Zewdebriefed President Museveni on the negotiations regarding the GERD. President Museveni reiterated the importance of ensuring the equitable and sustainable use of the River Nile waters. The two leaders recognized the strategic importance of the Nile for all the Riparian Countries and the livelihood of their peoples and the need to solve any issues among the countries within the framework of African solutions to African Problems.

5. H.E President Museveni emphasized the need to urgently convene a Summit of the Nile Basin Commission so that the Heads of State have a frank discussion on the issues of the Nile.

6. On Bilateral matters, the two Heads of State noted with satisfaction the cordial relations that exist between the two countries. They noted the existing cooperation in various fields including transport, trade, tourism, defense, and security, and pledged to continue closely working together for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

7. On Regional issues, Their Excellencies exchanged views on the state of peace and security in the IGAD region and Africa at large. They welcomed the formation of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity in South Sudan, pointing out that it is a key milestone in the South Sudan Peace Process. They urged all the Parties to commit to the restoration of peace and stability in South Sudan.

8. On the situation in The Sudan, they noted the ongoing Juba Peace Process on Sudan and encouraged all the Parties to negotiate in good faith for the good of the country. They condemned the recent attempted assassination of Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok.

9. Their Excellencies emphasized the need for the AMISOM to continue supporting the Federal Government of Somalia to strengthen its capacity to maintain peace and stability ahead of the upcoming elections. They reiterated the need for AMISOM to maintain a strong presence in Somalia and to avoid the premature demands for a troop drawdown, which would affect the gains made so far.

10. President Sahle-Work Zewde expressed her appreciation to President Museveni, the government and the people of the Republic of Uganda for the warm hospitality extended to her and her delegation.

Done at Entebbe, on this 13th Day of March 2020

Ethiopia confirmed the first case of Covid-19

Ethiopian Public Health Institute has confirmed the positive test in Ethiopia for COVID-19. The person found positive is a 48-year-old Japanese citizen who came to Ethiopia on March four, 2020 from Burkina Faso. Ethiopia has put in place a disease surveillance program since the outbreak of COVID-19 in China, and it has now identified the first positive case in the country. The patient is currently isolated at our facility. He is undergoing medical follow up and is in a stable condition. Those who have been in contact with this person are being traced and quarantined.

Since fear and panic are as dangerous as the disease itself, this first positive case in the country should not let us lower our guard but should propel us to redouble our effort to control the disease. Most people infected with the virus do get well soon with very little pain, but elderly people with the underlying illnesses may develop serious health problems because of the new infection.

Ever since the outbreak of the disease in China, The Ethiopian Government and Federal Ministry of Health have been working a lot to ramp up our preparedness to detect and contain, as well as mitigate its impact if transmission occurs. The National COVID-19 Ministerial committee established by H.E the Prime Minister is leading this work across the country. A Multi-sectoral technical Task Force from various offices and the Public Health Emergency Operating Center of Ethiopian Public Health Institute is coordinating these efforts and the day to day work.

The Government has allocated an additional budget for the prevention effort and mobilizing more resources. Quarantine and isolation centers are also established and Eko Kotebe hospital is prepared and equipped with trained medical staff and has opened its doors to receive and care for COVID-19 patients in the country while we are also working to hire more professionals to support this response.

By confirming the fact that the Ethiopian Government is doing everything to contain the spread of the disease and reduce its impact, we at Ministry of Health and Ethiopian Public Health Institute urge our people not to panic but stay calm and do everything it can to stop the spread of the disease in our country.

A press conference with detailed information on the status of the disease in our country will be held shortly. In case of a need for further information, please feel free to call 8335 round the clock.

High Level Dialogue On GERD, Abay Opens In Addis Ababa

A high-level dialogue on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and Abay river kicked off in Addis Ababa this morning.

Organized by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education (MoSHE), the discussion is underway at the Skylight hotel.

Presidents of universities, religious leaders, representatives of community members and other stakeholders are in attendance of the dialogue.

The event aims to boost public participation on GERD and assist the negotiation on the dam to center national interest.

Joint Communiqué: Issued following the Discussions between H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde, President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya

1. Her Excellency Sahle-Work Zewde, President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia made a one-day official visit to Kenya to update H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya, on the progress of negotiations on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and discussed bilateral and regional issues. The leaders held fruitful discussions at State House Nairobi today Wednesday 12th March 2020. The discussions were held in a friendly atmosphere characteristic of the relations between the two countries.

2. President Sahle-Work thanked H.E. the President for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to her and her delegation since their arrival in Kenya.

3. The two leaders noted with appreciation the existing cordial relations between Kenya and Ethiopia founded on the historical and socio-cultural ties and buttressed by shared aspirations for economic transformation for the well-being and prosperity of the people of the two countries.

4. President Sahle-Work briefed H.E. President Kenyatta on the GERD project and the trilateral negotiations with Sudan and Egypt aimed at reaching an agreement on the First Filling and Annual Operation of the GERD. The President also underscored Ethiopia’s commitment to continue working with all Nile Basin countries and to ensure that only treaties that are properly entered into by the countries will apply to the basin.

5. President Uhuru Kenyatta underlined the need for Africa to sustainably utilize its natural resources to address the needs of its increasing populations. The President also emphasized the importance of ensuring equitable and reasonable utilization of natural resources.The two leaders agreed on the importance of reaching a resolution in the spirit of African Solutions to African Problems and concurred on the need for the African Union to support the countries reach a win-win outcome.

6. On bilateral issues, the two leaders re-affirmed their commitment to deepen and enhance bilateral cooperation through the existing mechanisms, including the High-Level Commission and the Joint Border Commissioners’/Administrators’ Commission. They directed that these commissions should meet on a regular and predictable basis in order to create and sustain the requisite momentum for enhanced economic, political, and security cooperation between the two sister countries.

7. The two leaders noted with concern the grave threat to the food security of the two countries and the region arising from the invasion by desert locusts. They agree to work together at bilateral and regional levels, including through the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to urgently and comprehensively address this menace to the livelihoods of the people of the two countries and the region.

8. The two presidents lauded the ongoing efforts to revitalize IGAD under the leadership of the Prime Minister of the Sudan, H.E. AbdallaHamdok, Chairman of IGAD and Executive Secretary of IGAD Dr.WorknehGebeyehu. They pledged their full support and commitment to making IGAD revitalization successful in order to create an organization that is better positioned to respond to and spearhead the economic and securityaspirations of the region.

9. H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta invited H.E. President Sahle-Work to undertake a state visit to Kenya at a date to be agreed upon through diplomatic channels.

10. President Sahle-Work accepted the invitation. The two leaders expressed their commitment to strengthen the relations between the two countries with a view to addressing strategic issues of mutual interest.

11. President Sahle-Work once again thanked her host and the people of Kenya for the warm hospitality and excellent arrangements during her visit.

DONE IN NAIROBI, KENYA, ON 12TH OF MARCH 2020

World-Renowned Athletes Pledge Unreserved Support for GERD

World-famous Ethiopian athletes have voiced their full support for the realization of the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

The celebrated athletes Derartu Tulu and Haile Gebresilasie told ENA that the construction of the dam should be enhanced for the welfare of both Ethiopia and the downstream countries.

The first African woman Olympic gold medalist in 10,000 meters race, Derartu Tulu said this is the right time to bring all Ethiopians on board to complete the dam.

She stated that it is now the responsibility of every citizen to work together for the finalization of the project which has been built by the public.

As patriot athletes “we have been actively participating in GERD by helping raise fund and discharging our citizenship responsibility,” Derartu said.

Being “ambassadors of the country, we (athletes) will discharge our responsibility whenever it is necessary in order to ensure respect of our sovereignty,” she stressed.

The Ethiopian distance runner legend noted that there is no word to motivate Ethiopians, except saying come together to realize the dam.

The other prominent athlete, Haile Gebresilassie said supporting realization of the dam, which is a symbol of national pride, is not something you volunteer but mandatory to this generation.

Everybody has a responsibility to contribute their share in whatever way possible, and that would enable the nation to finalize the dam on schedule, he added.

“All Ethiopians and Ethiopian origin living abroad should need to be joining hand in hand to finalize the national flagship project to utilize it as a tool of alleviating poverty.”

The retired athlete further noted that the media should also play their roles in promoting the participation of the public in raising funds for the GERD.

“We need to stand together and exert maximum effort by avoiding differences so that we can reach our long cherished goal,” he stated.

Haile Gebresilasie, who is one of the greatest runners in history, further said Ethiopia is building the dam to extricate the poor from poverty without causing significant harm to the downstream countries.

Riparian countries should, therefore, cooperate with such initiatives so that they can also enjoy the benefits from the dam, the athlete explained.

Ethiopians at home and abroad have purchased Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) bond worth over 397 million Birr over the last six months.

Like Derartu Tulu and Haile Gebresilasie, many Ethiopians and Ethiopian Diaspora are pledging unreserved support for the finalization of GERD.

Unity zoo opens its doors

Unique to Ethiopia, the details and care taken in creating Unity Park is a process symbolic of Medemer. 198 animals of 35 different species varieties, the new zoo and aquarium within the park is designed to enable our children and urbanites to experience wildlife and marine life without going far out of the city.

Fm Gedu Andargachew Holds Discussion with Moussa Faki Mahamat

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, H.E. Gedu Andargachew on Monday (March 09) held talks with H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission regarding the status of the ongoing negotiation on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

The Minister reiterated that the negotiations on the GERD should be held in line with the principle of fair, equitable and reasonable utilization of transboundary natural resources.

The African Union Commission Chairperson for his part underlined that the negotiation on GERD should strike a fair deal benefiting all stakeholders.

A statement from the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia on the Incident in Khartoum

The people and Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia learned with shock and dismay about the incident targeting His Excellency Abdalla Hamdok, Prime Minister of the Republic of Sudan.

We strongly denounce the criminal act and urge those perpetrators to desist from such a violent act.

We express our sympathy to H.E. Prime Minister Hamdok and our relief that he was unharmed.

We are confident that such an attempt will not derail the effort of the brotherly people of the Republic of Sudan to transform their country to democracy and development.

Ethiopia, as always, will stand by the side of the Sudanese people in their endeavor to ensure lasting peace and prosperity in their country.

Statement on the Arab League`s “Resolution” Concerning the GERD

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia notes with dismay the “Resolution” of the Executive Council of the Arab League concerning the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) issued on 05 March 2020. Ethiopia rejects the “Resolution” in its entirety. This “Resolution” gives blind support to a member state without taking into consideration key facts at the center of the GERD talks.

Ethiopia, however, commends the stance taken by the Government of the Republic of the Sudan for refusing to endorse the “Resolution” of the Arab League. Sudan has once again demonstrated its position of being a voice of reason and justice in the latest orchestrated so-called “Arab League position” on the GERD. Ethiopia expresses its profound appreciation to Sudan’s principled position that helps advance win-win solutions for all the parties involved, through a commitment to open dialogue.

Ethiopia’s relations with the peoples’ and governments of member states of the Arab League are longstanding based on common values, deep rooted cultural ties and traditions. The relationship demonstrated the power of justice in the face of adversity, sanctuary in the face of persecution, cooperation at the time of need, and friendly relations during alienation. As an institution composed of sovereign countries, the League is expected to follow an approach that allows an accurate representation of facts and balances all interests involved. When acting contrary to this norm, the credibility of the League and its ability to promote peace, stability, and cooperation in the increasingly globalized world is at risk.

Ethiopia reiterates its longstanding and firm position as expressed by successive governments that it “has the right to use its Nile water resources to meet the needs of the present and future generations.” As the Nile is a transboundary water resource Ethiopia is committed to the principles of equitable and reasonable use, not causing significant harm and that of cooperation. We firmly believe that through continued open and transparent dialogue there is great potential to arrive at an amicable solution. Hegemonic posturing is unproductive and need not have a place in our interdependent global order.

Ethiopia is also firmly committed to the Agreement on the Declaration of Principles (DoP) which provides the basis for the first filling and annual operation of the GERD. The DoP provides that first filling will be done in parallel with the construction of the GERD.

Finally, Ethiopia is confident that the Arab League will live up to the standard of objectivity and the longstanding relations and common values in its engagements with Ethiopia. We look forward to a strengthened partnership and to work closely on common goals.