VATICAN CITY, Aug 15 (Reuters) - Pope Francis called for
dialogue between Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan on Saturday, urging
them not to let a dispute over a dam on the Nile lead to
conflict.
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which is being built
some 15 km (9 miles) from Ethiopia's border with Sudan, has
become a major source of discord between the three countries.
"I invite all parties involved to continue on the path of
dialogue so that the eternal river will continue to be a source
of life, which unites and does not divide, which nurtures
friendship, prosperity and fraternity and not enmity,
misunderstanding and conflict," the pontiff said.
He was giving his Angelus message for Assumption Day, the
most important Catholic feast dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Egypt, which fears the dam project could lead to water
shortages upstream, has threatened to withdraw from the latest
round of discussions. Sudan is concerned about the dam's safety.