NEW YORK -

The Secretary-General wishes to express his support for the World Bank's efforts to help Tajikistan address its energy challenges through various alternatives, and, in this connection, the Bank's decision to continue with the independent, technical assessment of the proposed Roghun Hydropower project.

He believes that the results of this assessment would provide informed guidance to the decision-making process on the project. That, in turn, should entail constructive dialogue on water and energy issues between the riparian States in Central Asia.

The Secretary-General takes this opportunity to encourage all Central Asia countries to engage actively in the search for a mutually acceptable agreement on management of water resources in the region in line with international law. He encourages all stakeholders to avail themselves of the support offered by his Special Representative for Central Asia, Mr. Miroslav Jenca, and the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia.