Aynete said longstanding disagreements on the Nile river have only served to delay the inevitable consensus both nations should reach on various issues. Ethiopia insists the mega hydro dam is part of its desire to equitably use Nile water to help power its economic growth. However, he said Egyptians and Ethiopians share a strong psychological affinity to the Nile river, and that it could be used as an emotional card in potential conflict. However, Aynete dismissed the possibility of a war involving the Nile river dispute breaking out in Northeast Africa. "Eritrea, Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan have their own domestic weaknesses, making it highly unlikely a war will break out involving the Nile river," he said.

Source: Ethiopian News January 25, 2018 17:48 UTC