During the UN General Assembly, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty condemned unilateral actions affecting the Nile water crisis and Somalia’s sovereignty. He accused Ethiopia of violating international law and emphasized the need for equitable resource management. Abdelatty also denounced Israeli actions in Lebanon and Palestine, calling for immediate ceasefires, and advocated for political resolutions in Sudan and Libya.
During the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, expressed Egypt’s firm stance on the urgent issues surrounding the Nile River and reiterated the importance of respecting the sovereignty of nations, particularly Somalia. Abdelatty highlighted Egypt’s commitment to an equitable resolution of the Nile water crisis, asserting that all parties should benefit without causing detriment to downstream nations. He explicitly accused Ethiopia of unilaterally violating international law regarding water rights, indicating that Egypt will not compromise on what it perceives to be existential threats. Abdelatty articulated, “Egypt’s vision for resolving the water crisis was based on benefiting all parties and fair use without harm to downstream countries.” He further stated, “Anyone who thinks Egypt will compromise on any existential threat is mistaken,” in reference to the controversial Nile dam project by Ethiopia. In addition to addressing Nile River issues, Abdelatty condemned unilateral actions that jeopardize Somalia’s unity and sovereignty. He also denounced the escalation of violence in Lebanon and Palestine, calling for an immediate ceasefire and emphasizing the need for reforms within the United Nations to tackle global challenges effectively. He criticized the Israeli attacks, arguing that they reveal the ineffectiveness and double standards of the international community. Abdelatty lamented, “Israel’s brutal aggression in Gaza and the West Bank has exposed the weakness and double standards of the international community,” reinforcing the necessity for immediate diplomatic intervention. Furthermore, he addressed the ongoing conflicts in Sudan and Libya, advocating for political resolutions that would reinforce national unity and pave the way for democratic elections. He noted Egypt’s efforts to facilitate peace talks, asserting that, “Egypt and Qatar mediated for an agreement, but Israel obstructed the negotiations.”
The Nile River is a critical resource for Egypt, and its management has often led to tensions among nations sharing its waters, particularly between Egypt and Ethiopia. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has been a contentious issue, prompting concerns in Egypt over potential water shortages. Additionally, the geopolitical landscape in the Horn of Africa is complex, with nations like Somalia facing internal strife and external pressures. Egypt’s advocacy at the UN reflects its larger strategy to assert its rights and foster stability in the region, amidst broader Middle Eastern conflicts involving Israel and Palestine, as well as the situations in Sudan and Libya.
In conclusion, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has effectively highlighted Egypt’s concerns regarding the Nile River crisis and the necessity of respecting Somalia’s sovereignty. By denouncing unilateral actions and pushing for a collective solution to water rights issues, he underscored Egypt’s commitment to fairness and regional stability. Furthermore, Abdelatty’s calls for a ceasefire in Israel’s ongoing conflicts and his support for political resolutions in Sudan and Libya showcase Egypt’s strategic role in mediating regional disputes and advocating for reform within the international system.
Original Source: www.dailynewsegypt.com
