Ethiopia made progress with Egypt and Sudan in US-brokered talks in easing concerns over a hotly contested mega-dam on the Nile, with a tentative agreement to fill it only during the rainy season. Also Read: Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan views closer on Nile dam, says Sudanese ministerThe three countries had set a deadline of Wednesday to reach an accord over the Grand Renaissance Dam in Ethiopia, which Egypt fears could deplete its scarce drinking water. After three days of talks in Washington, the countries' foreign ministers "noted the progress achieved," a joint statement said. The draft deal also calls for special mitigation measures for Egypt and Sudan on years that they are especially dry. "Waiting until the dam is operational -- when its impact on downstream countries is clearer -- would raise the risk of violent conflict," it warned.

Source: Ethiopian News January 16, 2020 15:00 UTC