The letter said: “We appreciate your acknowledgement of our efforts on developing transparent processes with participation of all interested sides, which will guarantee of objectiveness and independence of assessment of Rogun hydropower station project (HSP).”

Feasibility, ecologic and social examination will be directed at carrying out careful assessment of technical conditions, as well as ecologic and social risks and advantages of offered project. The researches will be carried out in line with all special protection mechanisms and instructions of the World Bank, including receiving permission of the World Bank on key stages of researches (including recruitment of consultants), reviewing research results, carried out by internationally acknowledged independent experts, consultations with all interested states, located in the basis of trans-boundary rivers, the document said.

“We accept your concern over work, which is carried out at Rogun project area before receiving feasibility and other studies. In September and December 2009, when the Bank team visited project area, the construction works were of rehabilitation character on rehabilitation of constructions, underground works and rehabilitation of underground roads, which were damaged during 1993 flood and other damages in later stage.”

The document said at the same time, Tajikistan Government was informed about seriousness of ensuring strong compliance and consistency between construction works and feasibility, ecologic and social examinations. Mutual understanding was achieved with the Tajik authorities and they undertook obligation that works, out of rehabilitation works, should be based on the results of above-mentioned examinations, it added.

It is worth to note that the World Bank participation in the offered project on construction of Rogun HPS will depend on technical, economic, ecologic and social expediency and viability of the project, as well as holding of consultations, the letter said.

World Bank Vice-President said all planned construction works in future will be revised with the results of examinations, conclusions of which will be taken into account in technical projects and implementation of each construction stage.

He added that the Tajik Government confirmed that examination results will be considered by independent international experts, who will submit their conclusions. At the same time, Tajikistan also agreed to the World Bank proposal to hire construction specialists to carry supervision over construction and present independent quality evaluation.

The letter said the Bank plans to send technical mission to Rogun area on 20-27 April to conduct monitoring and assessment of the works. The mission will include experts on dams and senior specialists on hydro power stations.

Philippe Le Houerou said he and Mr. Stephan Lintner, Senior Advisor on Safeguard, will visit all countries in the basin of trans-boundary rivers to discuss issues on participating international independent experts in researches.

World Bank Vice-President said the bank is ready to listen and react to requirements of Uzbekistan and other Central Asian states, in particular in the part on providing objective, unbiased and consistent information and consultations.

The decision of the Bank on financing or any participation in the project will demand on examination results.

Philippe Le Houerou expressed hope that the Government of Uzbekistan will continue to support the Bank efforts.