Ethiopia has rejected a call by Sudan and Egypt for involving four other parties in talks over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
Ethiopia’s position was announced after information was circulated that the European Union, the United Nations and the United States were considering joining the mediation on massive dam negotiation.
In a press briefing on Wednesday, the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Dina Mufti said Ethiopia did not receive an official proposal about the new mediators.
Dina said, however, Ethiopia will not accept such a proposal.
He said the African Union shall handle the mediation.
“No mediator can determine the outcome of the talks except Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt,” he said.
Sudan and Egypt have been pressing for the involvement of other parties in the GERD talks after their leaders were involved in negotiations recently.
“We have great honor for the African Union. Ethiopia believes African problems should be resolved by Africans” Dina said, describing the continental organisation as the right mediator.
“Filling of the GERD’s reservoir will continue but the negotiation can be held before or after the filling,” he added.
MG/as/APA