DUSHANBE, April 1, 2010, Asia-Plus — To lower tension with Uzbekistan connected with construction of the Roghun HPP and prevent possible clashes, our countries ought to seek solution to the problems and get out of mutual suspicions through a dialogue, Professor Abdunabi Sattorzoda, an official with the Center for Strategic Studies under the President of Tajikistan, remarked at an international scientific-practical conference formally titled “Tajikistan in the System of Geopolitical Interests of World and Regional Powers” in Dushanbe on March 31.
According to him, such a step meets national interests of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as well as other Central Asia’s countries.
The issue of use of water-and-energy resources in the region and construction of the Roghun HPP has been too politicized lately and at the first sight this problems seems to be unsolvable, the senior expert from Tajik think tank noted. “But if the mater is thoroughly investigated it turns out that there are no any serious contradictions between the two countries,” Professor Sattorzoda said.
Reminding of numerous appeals of Uzbek authorities to separate authoritative countries and international organizations over alleged potential damage by the Roghun HPP to Central Asia”s environmental balance, Sattorzoda expressed confidence that we would become witnesses of new appeals soon.
Uzbekistan is doing everything possible to weaken Tajikistan’s arguments [over the construction of the Roghun HPP] in order to obtain suspension of construction of the Roghun HPP in Tajikistan, according to him. Uzbekistan will continue impeding passage of Tajik surface and air transport via its territory, Sattorzoda said. “Moreover, Uzbekistan may toughen a border-crossing regime or close the border with Tajikistan,” the expert noted, reminding that some 1,000 freight cars bound for Tajikistan have been stranded on Uzbek territory since last month.
A new chill entered relations between official Dushanbe and Tashkent after Tajikistan decided to raise funds within the country to complete the construction of the Roghun HPP. Uzbekistan objects to that project, claiming that the planned 335-meter high dam will exacerbate the existing water shortages in the region in general, and for its own country in particular.
