The Ethiopian government is set to increase defense spending by more
than 15 percent, a rise that comes amid tensions with Egypt over the
building of a new dam on the Nile River.
Cairo says the Ethiopian dam project, set to become Africa's largest,
could diminish its share of Nile River waters, which provides almost all
of the desert nation's water needs.
Ethiopia's parliament on Wednesday debated the proposed budget, which
would increase defense spending to $400 million, up from about $350
million. The parliament is scheduled to approve the budget on Thursday.
Getachew Reda, a spokesman for Hailemariam, insists the defense increase
has nothing to do with the recent disputes with Egypt. Getachew told
The Associated Press the increase corresponds to the country's growing
economy.
http://abcnews.go.com
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