Groups slam ministers’ failure to discuss Xayaburi Dam
Regional conservationists criticised the Mekong River Commission (MRC) yesterday for leaving the controversial Xayaburi Dam off its agenda at this week’s annual ministerial meeting in Luang Prabang, Laos. Laotian authorities said they would confirm their decision to go ahead with the hydropower project in the mainstream Mekong River if there were any special request to discuss the matter at the meeting. … “By failing to address the Xayaburi Dam at the Council Meeting, the Mekong River Commission governments are evading their responsibilities,” said Niwat Roykaew of the Chiang Khong Conservation Group. … Downstream countries Cambodia and Vietnam have urged Laos to reconsider its decision. The MRC also agreed earlier on a prior-consultation process to take any negative impacts of the dam into consideration. A committee advised Vientiane to delay construction until necessary studies were carried out. …
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/aec/Groups-slam-ministers-failure-to-discuss-Xayaburi--30198036.html
