Scholars: Ethiopia’s stance accurate on Nile water

Addis Ababa June 17/2013 Scholars said Ethiopia's stance on fair distribution and equal utilization of the Nile water with riparian countries is accurate. 

In an exclusive interview with ENA, Head of Journalism and Communication School of the Addis Ababa University, Dr. Abdisa Zeray and also instructor of the school Dr. Zenebe Beyene said that the question of fair utilization of the water resource is the right of any citizen or government. They said Ethiopia's policy that states cooperation among all riparian countries and ensures their equal benefits is accurate and acceptable. 

The scholars said the policy is sound as it states fair utilization of the water through applying knowledge and technology. Dr. Abdisa said the intimidation on part of Egypt concerning construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam needs to be seen as per internal and external contexts. The Experts' panel has presented its report to Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan, Dr. Abdisa said, adding, however, on part of Egypt the report is not made official to the public. Following coming to power of the party led by Egypt's President Mohammed Mursi there is political unrest and economic crisis in Egypt. 

During the past one year there is repeated electric power disruption in Egypt and also shortage of petroleum. Such internal problems caused crisis on Mursi's government . Egyptians are undertaking activities including signing of petition and stage public rally to overthrow the Mursi government, he said. 

Dr. Abdisa said Ethiopia is advancing the right policy towards fair utilization of the Nile waters. He said the colonial context on the Nile water is outdated and Ethiopia's policy, which states mutual benefit is acceptable. Dr. Zenebe on his part said that the stance of Egypt and Sudan is different with regard to the Dam because of the difference in internal situation of the respective countries. 

The Mursi government is trying to stay in power through diverting the attention of the people of Egypt . The main interest of parties, which come to power through the same means as that of Mursi, do what ever they think will help them to remain in power. The Ethiopian people and government are expected to do their homework as the Mursi government will choose any means including war to fulfill its interest to stay in power, the scholar said.