§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 10 January 2000,Official Report, column 31W, on the Ilisu Dam, if the representations from (a) the Syrian Ambassador and (b) the League of Arab States were (i) in favour and (ii) against the proposed dam. [105081]
§ Mr. CabornThe Syrian Ambassador expressed concern that proper account had not been taken of the impact of the project on the Syrian economy, people and relations with Turkey or of legal obligations, and stressed the general sensitivity of water issues in the region.
The League of Arab States expressed concern at the lack of information and consultation on the project.
§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to make a decision on ECGD support for UK participation in the Ilisu Dam project. [104897]
§ Mr. CabornThe application for ECGD support for the UK participation in the Ilisu Dam project has given rise to a number of social, political, environmental and cultural issues requiring further consideration between ECGD, the other export credit agencies involved, the Turkish authorities and the contractors. We will only agree support if these issues are addressed to our satisfaction. In any event no decision on support will be made until a revised Environmental Impact Assessment has been produced. This is expected in late March or April.