U.S. supports collaborative approach over GERD issue: spokesperson

March 15, 2021 (KHARTOUM) – The United States supports collaborative efforts to break the deadlock in the talks over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), said the State Department on Monday.

The Sudanese Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok has requested the U.S., the United Nations, the European Union and the African Union to mediate the stalled talks on the filling and operation of the GERD.

Asked by reporters about Washington’s position from this request, which is backed by the Egyptian government, Jalina Porter State Department Deputy Spokesperson expressed their support for constructive efforts to end the disagreement over the giant hydropower dam.

“So we’ve seen the breaking report, and we continue to support collaborative and constructive efforts to resolve the disagreement on the GERD,” said Porter.

“We understand the GERD is a major issue for the parties, and we certainly encourage the resumption of a productive dialogue,” she further stressed.

Trump administration together with the World Bank sought to broker a deal between the three parties but Ethiopia broke the process considering that Washington was supportive of the Egyptian government.

The U.S. and the European Union participate already in the talks on the GERD as observers with the African Union.

The inclusion of the United Nations was seen as logical because Egypt has already referred the issue to the Security Council, saying the dam threatens international and regional peace and security.

(ST)