Egypt says no ‘breakthrough’ with Ethiopia over Nile dam

In this June 28, 2013 file photo, construction work takes place, at the site of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam near Assosa, Ethiopia. (AP)

• The long-running dispute centers on the filling and operation of the hydroelectric dam
• Shoukry says his county “respects Ethiopia’s right to development” but “without affecting Egypt.”

CAIRO: Egypt says negotiations over an upstream Nile dam being built by Ethiopia have not led to any “breakthrough.”
Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry told reporters that talks over the $5 billion Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam have stopped for more than a year before restarting in Cairo on Sunday.
The long-running dispute centers on the filling and operation of what will be Africa’s largest hydroelectric dam.
Shoukry says he hopes that Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia can agree a timetable to reach a deal over the soon-to-be-completed dam.
Egypt fears the dam could reduce its share of the Nile River which serves as a lifeline for the country’s 100 million people. Ethiopian maintains that the dam will help its development.
Shoukry says his county “respects Ethiopia’s right to development” but “without affecting Egypt.”