DUSHANBE, February 26, 2014, Asia-Plus — A top U.S. diplomat says Washington will wait before weighing in on a controversial dam project in Tajikistan, Radio Liberty’s Tajik Service reported on February 25.
Richard Hoagland, the U.S. deputy assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian affairs, says preliminary studies are first needed before the United States outlines its position on the construction of the Roghun hydropower station.
Talking to RFE/RL in Dushanbe on February 25, Hoagland said U.S. officials must consult with international donors to study the ecological, social, and financial impact of such a project.
According to Hoagland, U.S. and Tajik officials are awaiting the results of World Bank feasibility studies, which are expected this summer.
Tajikistan has been at odds with neighboring Uzbekistan over energy resources.
Tashkent openly opposes Dushanbe”s project to complete the Roghun power plant, saying it will leave Uzbekistan without water.
