Ethiopian dam crisis worrisome but have confidence in your political leadership
President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi addressed Egyptians Tuesday saying that although the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) crisis is worrisome, people must have confidence in their political leadership pointing out that negotiations mandate exercising patience.The statement was made during a ceremony held in Ismailiyah to inaugurate a number of projects affiliated to the Suez Canal Authority.On May 5, the president met with U.S. Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Jeffrey Feltman and accompanying delegation in Al Itihadiyah presidential palace whereas Sisi stipulated that the Ethiopian dam is an "existential issue" to Egypt,
which will not allow putting its water interests or the wealth of its people in peril.The meeting tackled several regional issues in the Horn of Africa with GERD at the forefront. Feltman said the U.S. administration is adamant that this sensitive issue be resolved in a fair and comprehensive settlement, given its enormous importance to Egypt and the region, according to Presidential Spokesperson Bassam Rady.Sisi congratulated Feltman on his new position, wishing him success in dealing with the issues in the region at a time when the Horn of Africa is witnessing complicated challenges that undermine stability.