ID :
110510
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 17:06
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/110510
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Thai PM asks China to help sort out Mekong problem
BANGKOK, March 8 (TNA) – Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on
Monday asked China to determine whether dam construction in its reaches of the Mekong River is among the factors that may have led to the record-low water level downstream in the river, which is severely affecting not only Thailand, but other countries in the region, the Lao PDR, Cambodia and Vietnam.
The Thai prime minister discussed with Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Hu Zhengyue regarding the severe drought conditions and the record-low water level in Mekong River.
Mr Abhisit has expressed concern over the problems and asked China to
convene an expert meeting to establish the facts as to whether the record low level in the Mekong was caused by drought or by China's dam
construction as some critics have observed.
The information will pave the way for joint Mekong management through the existing regional mechanism, the Thai premier said. Thailand believes that China, which plays an active role in regional development, does not want to see downstream countries suffering from the problem.
Mr Hu said China regards the drought problem as a pressing issue and its dam construction will not cause any impact on the downstream countries as water volume in the Lanxang River is only 13 per cent of the Mekong's waterflow. There has been continued coordination on the issue among senior Mekong River Commission officials and China cannot afford to lose its common interest in the region, according to an official statement on the Thai government's website.
Southeast Asia's primary international waterway has alarmingly fallen to its lowest level in nearly 20 years, affecting local residents and businesses reliant on the river.
Meanwhile, Suwit Khunkitti, Thailand's natural resources and environment minister said Monday that Thailand will host an MRC summit April 3-5 and the member countries agreed to invite China to the meeting.
Mr Suwit said if the Mekong organisation could closely exchange information with China, cooperation and management on the Mekong’s water level would be more effective.
He added that in Thailand, related agencies have already begun assisting local residents affected by the drought with water supplies for public consumption. (TNA)
Monday asked China to determine whether dam construction in its reaches of the Mekong River is among the factors that may have led to the record-low water level downstream in the river, which is severely affecting not only Thailand, but other countries in the region, the Lao PDR, Cambodia and Vietnam.
The Thai prime minister discussed with Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Hu Zhengyue regarding the severe drought conditions and the record-low water level in Mekong River.
Mr Abhisit has expressed concern over the problems and asked China to
convene an expert meeting to establish the facts as to whether the record low level in the Mekong was caused by drought or by China's dam
construction as some critics have observed.
The information will pave the way for joint Mekong management through the existing regional mechanism, the Thai premier said. Thailand believes that China, which plays an active role in regional development, does not want to see downstream countries suffering from the problem.
Mr Hu said China regards the drought problem as a pressing issue and its dam construction will not cause any impact on the downstream countries as water volume in the Lanxang River is only 13 per cent of the Mekong's waterflow. There has been continued coordination on the issue among senior Mekong River Commission officials and China cannot afford to lose its common interest in the region, according to an official statement on the Thai government's website.
Southeast Asia's primary international waterway has alarmingly fallen to its lowest level in nearly 20 years, affecting local residents and businesses reliant on the river.
Meanwhile, Suwit Khunkitti, Thailand's natural resources and environment minister said Monday that Thailand will host an MRC summit April 3-5 and the member countries agreed to invite China to the meeting.
Mr Suwit said if the Mekong organisation could closely exchange information with China, cooperation and management on the Mekong’s water level would be more effective.
He added that in Thailand, related agencies have already begun assisting local residents affected by the drought with water supplies for public consumption. (TNA)
