ADDIS ABABA // The foreign ministers of Egypt and Ethiopia cancelled a press conference yesterday after meeting in Ethiopia's capital, raising doubts that tensions over a dam Ethiopia is building on the Blue Nile River will subside soon.
Egypt and Ethiopia began a sharp exchange of words after Ethiopia last month started to divert Nile waters as part of the construction of its massive Dh15.4 billion hydroelectric project dubbed the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
Egypt fears the dam will mean a lesser share of the Nile, which provides almost all of its water needs.
The foreign minister of Egypt, Mohamed Amr, arrived in Addis Ababa on Sunday, and yesterday met his Ethiopian counterpart Tedros Adhanom. In a possible sign that the talks are not going smoothly, the two ministers then cancelled a scheduled news conference.
"I cannot anticipate the outcome of the meeting, but our wish is that they would understand that the construction of the dam is not going to harm them in any way. We have always sought a win-win cooperation and relationship with Egypt," said Dina Mufti, a spokesman for the Ethiopian foreign ministry.
Relations between the nations have quickly grown tense. In a televised meeting on June 3, Egyptian politicians suggested attacks on Ethiopia to sabotage the dam.
A week later, Mohammed Morsi, the Egyptian president, warned that "all options are open" to challenge Ethiopia's Nile project.
In response, the Ethiopian prime minister, Hailemariam Desalegn, vowed "nothing" and "no one" will stop the dam's construction.
Then, last Thursday, Ethiopia's parliament unanimously ratified a new accord that replaces colonial-era deals that awarded Egypt veto powers over Nile projects.
The tensions are causing international concern. The head of the African Union urged dialogue and cooperation and the United Nations secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, telephoned both Mr Morsi and Mr Hailemariam.
Ethiopia downplays the prospect of military confrontation with Egypt. The president said Egypt would not attack unless its leaders "go mad". Ethiopia insists it "will not bow to pressure" by delaying the construction of the dam.
The dam, which would be Africa's largest hydroelectric producer, has been under construction for two years on the Blue Nile River in Ethiopia's Benishangul-Gumuz region near Sudan.
* Associated Press
Pupils in Abu Dhabi are learning the importance of being active, eating well and leading a healthy lifestyle now and throughout adulthood, thanks to a newly launched programme 'Healthy Lifestyle'.
As part of the Healthy Lifestyle programme, specially trained coaches from City Football Schools, along with Healthpoint physicians have visited schools throughout Abu Dhabi to give fun and interactive lessons on working out regularly, making the right food choices, getting enough sleep and staying hydrated, just like their favourite footballers.
Organised by Manchester City FC and Healthpoint, Manchester City FC’s regional healthcare partner and part of Mubadala’s healthcare network, the ‘Healthy Lifestyle’ programme will visit 15 schools, meeting around 1,000 youngsters over the next five months.
Designed to give pupils all the information they need to improve their diet and fitness habits at home, at school and as they grow up, coaches from City Football Schools will work alongside teachers to lead the youngsters through a series of fun, creative and educational classes as well as activities, including playing football and other games.
Dr Mai Ahmed Al Jaber, head of public health at Healthpoint, said: “The programme has different aspects - diet, exercise, sleep and mental well-being. By having a focus on each of those and delivering information in a way that children can absorb easily it can help to address childhood obesity."
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KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Healthcare spending to double to $2.2 trillion rupees
Launched a 641billion-rupee federal health scheme
Allotted 200 billion rupees for the recapitalisation of state-run banks
Around 1.75 trillion rupees allotted for privatisation and stake sales in state-owned assets
RESULTS
Time; race; prize; distance
4pm: Maiden; (D) Dh150,000; 1,200m
Winner: General Line, Xavier Ziani (jockey), Omar Daraj (trainer)
4.35pm: Maiden (T); Dh150,000; 1,600m
Winner: Travis County, Adrie de Vries, Ismail Mohammed
5.10pm: Handicap (D); Dh175,000; 1,200m
Winner: Scrutineer, Tadhg O’Shea, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
5.45pm: Maiden (D); Dh150,000; 1,600m
Winner: Yulong Warrior, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
6.20pm: Maiden (D); Dh150,000; 1,600m
Winner: Ejaaby, Jim Crowley, Doug Watson
6.55pm: Handicap (D); Dh160,000; 1,600m
Winner: Storyboard, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
7.30pm: Handicap (D); Dh150,000; 2,200m
Winner: Grand Dauphin, Gerald Mosse, Ahmed Al Shemaili
8.05pm: Handicap (T); Dh190,000; 1,800m
Winner: Good Trip, Tadhg O’Shea, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
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THE BIO
Favourite book: ‘Purpose Driven Life’ by Rick Warren
Favourite travel destination: Switzerland
Hobbies: Travelling and following motivational speeches and speakers
Favourite place in UAE: Dubai Museum
Thank You for Banking with Us
Director: Laila Abbas
Starring: Yasmine Al Massri, Clara Khoury, Kamel El Basha, Ashraf Barhoum
Rating: 4/5