On Wednesday, the UN Security Council urged Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan to resume African Union-led talks to reach a binding agreement "within a reasonable timeframe" regarding the operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile in Ethiopia. In an official statement unanimously approved by the 15 member states, the Security Council "called on the three countries to move forward in the African Union-led negotiation process in a constructive manner based on cooperation." The statement continued, "The Security Council urges Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan to resume negotiations at the invitation of the African Union Chairperson to swiftly finalize a text of an acceptable and binding agreement for the parties regarding the filling and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam within a reasonable timeframe."
Egypt and Sudan had sought the Council's assistance in resolving the dispute after Ethiopia began filling the dam's reservoir in July for the second consecutive year. Addis Ababa opposes any intervention by the Security Council in the matter. The Council discussed the dispute in a public meeting in July. Many Council diplomats are concerned that involvement might set a precedent allowing other countries to seek its help in water-related disputes. The Council stated, "The Security Council emphasizes that this statement does not establish any principles or create a precedent in any other transboundary water disputes."
