Egypt’s Stance on Nile Crisis and Regional Sovereignty at UN Assembly

At the 79th UN General Assembly session, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty addressed the Nile River water crisis and emphasized Egypt’s commitment to fair negotiations, condemning Ethiopian unilateral actions. He also defended Somalia’s sovereignty and criticized Israeli military operations, calling for UN reforms to address global issues effectively.

In a significant address at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, articulated Egypt’s stance on the Nile River water crisis and issues concerning Somalia’s sovereignty. He firmly denounced unilateral actions in reference to both the Nile issue and the disruption of Somalia’s unity. On the Nile River conflict, Minister Abdelatty underscored Egypt’s dedication to a resolution that benefits all involved parties and ensures equitable water usage, particularly for downstream nations. He accused Ethiopia of breaching international law and adopting a unilateral approach in handling the water crisis. He stated, “Egypt’s vision for resolving the water crisis was based on benefiting all parties and fair use without harm to downstream countries. Ethiopia violated international law and handled the water issue unilaterally.” Furthermore, he expressed a firm warning regarding Egypt’s position on existential threats, asserting, “Anyone who thinks Egypt will compromise on any existential threat is mistaken.” Abdelatty also extended his criticism toward unilateral actions threatening Somalia’s sovereignty, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of Somali territory. Additionally, he condemned Israel’s military operations in Lebanon, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities, while denouncing the actions taken by Israel in Gaza and the West Bank as demonstrative of the international community’s failure to act. He remarked, “Israel’s brutal aggression in Gaza and the West Bank has exposed the weakness and double standards of the international community… the legitimacy of the United Nations is at stake, and the global system needs reform to address the scale of challenges we face.” As part of Egypt’s diplomatic initiatives, he highlighted Egypt and Qatar’s efforts to mediate a resolution to the ongoing conflicts, but lamented that progress was obstructed by Israeli actions. Moreover, Minister Abdelatty addressed the turbulent situations in Sudan and Libya, expressing Egypt’s commitment to supporting political solutions that foster national unity and peace. He called for an end to the transitional phase in Libya to pave the way for upcoming elections.

The Nile River is one of the longest rivers in the world, and its waters are vital for the livelihoods of millions in Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia. A longstanding dispute has emerged, particularly regarding Ethiopia’s construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which Egypt believes threatens its water security. Additionally, Somalia has faced challenges to its sovereignty due to internal strife and external threats, prompting Egypt to emphasize the importance of unity and territorial integrity in its recent statements. The current discussions at the UN General Assembly reflect broader regional tensions, particularly involving Israel and its relations with Palestine and neighboring countries.

Minister Badr Abdelatty’s address encapsulated Egypt’s commitment to multilateral diplomacy and shared resource management while condemning unilateral actions that jeopardize regional stability. His strong stance on the Nile water dispute, advocacy for Somalia’s sovereignty, criticisms of Israeli military actions, and support for conflict resolution in Sudan and Libya reflect Egypt’s comprehensive approach to addressing crucial geopolitical issues. The call for reform within the United Nations further highlights the need for an effective international framework to manage these challenges collectively.

Original Source: www.dailynewsegypt.com