Laos Says Its Dam Plans Do Not Violate Mekong Agreement

Laos’ plan to construct the $720 million USD, 260-megawatt Don Sahong Dam does not violate the Mekong agreement because the project is not being built on the main stem of the Mekong River, according to Laotian Deputy Minister of Energy and Mines Viraphonh Viravong.Under the 1995 agreement, Laos is required to give its downstream neighbors within the Mekong River Commission (MRC) notification of any projects on the main stem of the river, with enough time ahead of construction that they can have prior consultation and review the project.Several environmental organizations have in recent weeks accused of Laos of violating the agreement when it announced at the beginning of the month that it would build the Don Sahong Dam...