State Department Spokesman Mark Toner.
Saturday, 10 December 2011
Posted by Serath
PHNOM PENH, Dec 10 (Cambodia Herald)- The United States and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) welcomed a delay on approving a controversial hydropower dam in Laos, the Xayaburi Dam, saying that it is a positive step.
During a meeting with Mekong nations in July, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton "that there's a very serious question about this new dam and possible environmental ramifications," her spokesman Mark Toner said.
"So we view it as a positive sign that they're delaying looking at it," Toner told reporters in Washington.
"So we view it as a positive sign that they're delaying looking at it," Toner told reporters in Washington.
WWF also welcomed the decision made on Thursday by ministers from Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam in Siem Reap, according to ist website.
“Lower Mekong countries have taken a positive step towards sound stewardship of one of the region’s most valued and important resources,” said Dr Jian-hua Meng, WWF’s Sustainable Hydropower Specialist.
“The countries must now use this delay to properly and fully assess the impacts of the dam project, using the best scientific advice and consultative processes. International consultants contracted to provide their expertise must adhere to international best practice and not cut corners.”
Laos failed at a meeting to win approval from Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam to go ahead with the $3.8 billion Xayaburi dam, which activists say could spell disaster for the roughly 60 million people who depend on the waterway.
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