AKIPRESS.COM - Secretary General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the publication by the World Bank on 17 June of draft assessments on the proposed Roghun hydropower project in Tajikistan, urging region’s leaders to seek sustainable solutions.

The assessments also provide important guidance for critical consultations among the region’s states on water and energy issues. Ban Ki-moon recognizes the challenges of the countries of Central Asia to meet their sustainable development and energy needs, and appreciates the efforts of the World Bank in leading the independent assessment.

The Secretary General has encouraged the Governments of Central Asia to engage in a constructive discussion on the management of transboundary water resources in line with international law, and to refrain from unilateral actions.

He believes that such a discussion could lead to a sustainable, comprehensive solution that takes into consideration the interests of all of the countries of the region.

Ban Ki-moon also recalled that Special Representative for Central Asia, Miroslav Jenča, and the United Nations Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia are always ready to provide the required support.