Egyptian Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Hossam Moghazi asserted that Egypt has a right to the Nile water and respect the aspirations of the Ethiopian people, noting that political transition in Egypt has wasted a lot of time and effort in restoring confidence among countries.
Interviewed by TV host Lamees El-Hadidi on Egyptian satellite "CBC", Moghazi said resorting to international arbitration is not currently floated after talks on the Renaissance Dam kicked off.
He said the step of hiring an international expert after the consultative office could help bringing viewpoints closer among the various parties.
He said Egypt seeks to have an adequate storage of water without any negative impact on its water security after the construction of the Dam.
"We have sent a clear message that Egypt is not opposing the Dam construction, but seeks to avoid any negative impact on its water resources".
Responding to a question by the TV host, Sudanese Minister of Irrigation and Water Moataz Moussa said Sudan has been prepared since several decades for the idea of establishing dams in the tropical highlands of the Nile basin countries.
He said Egypt has taken the initiative of establishing water reservoirs in the upstream Nile countries to improve the water resources, citing the example of Egypt and Uganda establishing Owen Falls Dam.
The minister said the construction of any dams on the Nile River will certainly have negative impacts, that's why there should an agreement with Ethiopia on the techniques of storing water in the dam and work out solutions for any negative sides.
Source: MENA