In order to calm tensions, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak issued strict instructions to officials to avoid "provocative" statements against the Nile Basin countries. The Egyptian leader has also warned of the consequences of continuing to deliver harsh statements against these countries. Sources in Egypt conveyed that the worst period of relations between Egypt and the Nile Basin countries is about to end, "but it will require time and a lot of effort especially from Cairo, as well as engage in a joint development of water projects."
The Shuruq newspaper quoted government sources as saying: "Egypt wants to be an active partner together with international donors in the establishment of water development projects in these countries."
Last week, Mubarak said that dialogue is the way to resolve the crisis between the countries of the Nile River Basin, assuring the Egyptian people this crisis will be solved. He said during a meeting with members of the ruling National Democratic Partym that "the concern in this regard has no justification at all."
Mubarak added that the media, unfortunately, from both sides in Egypt and the Nile basin countries increased the sense of this concern and called for "calming the media on our side".
