The Afghan government, as represented by "Taliban," has shown no interest in any dialogue or negotiations with Uzbekistan regarding the Amu Darya river water resource, affirming Afghanistan's right to utilize its water resources. This statement was made by the Uzbek Ministry of Mining and Geological Industry in response to the "Taliban's" movement.
According to the Ministry's press service, "Taliban" has taken measures to address the concerns of neighboring countries regarding the Amu Darya river water issue, which is critical to mitigating water-related conflicts. However, Uzbekistan has yet to engage in any discussions related to water usage or sign any agreements with Afghanistan on this matter. If negotiations are disrupted, Uzbekistan will report the issue.
Presently, Uzbekistan has no formal agreements with any other nation concerning water resources in the Amu Darya basin. Uzbek experts and water industry specialists have emphasized the necessity of developing irrigation systems and harnessing water resources in various parts of the country due to the ongoing drought and water shortage.
"Sovereign rights grant Afghanistan full authority to use the waters of the Amu Darya. This right has been granted to Afghanistan through international conventions, and Afghanistan possesses 27-30% of the Amu Darya river's flow," stated water industry expert Najibulla Sadid.
"We hope to have negotiations on water-related matters in the border region. Since we are the source of water for the region, even if we do not use this water, other countries are considering it as a resource," noted Abdul Latif Mansur, Uzbekistan's Minister of Water and Energy.
Uzbek President's Comments on the Qushchi Canal:
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed his views on the construction of the Qushchi Canal during a recent meeting of the leaders of founding states of the International Organization for the Rescue of the Aral Sea (IORAS).
"Considering the ecological situation, a new participant has emerged in the use of water resources in our region without any obligation to the states involved. The fact that they are actively working on the construction of the canal is well known to you. Its implementation could profoundly affect the management and distribution of water from Central Asian rivers, including the Amu Darya," stated the President.
Mirziyoyev called for an in-depth study of all aspects of the canal's construction and its potential impact on the region's water resources. He suggested creating an additional working group within IORAS to conduct comprehensive research on the matter.
Potential Consequences of the Qushchi Canal:
"The Economist" predicts that if the canal is completed, it could significantly alter the dynamics of regional geopolitics. The canal would divert Amu Darya water towards Uzbekistan, potentially reducing the flow of water to Afghanistan. As Afghanistan largely relies on Uzbekistan for its electricity supply, the "Taliban" may not react favorably to such developments.
According to Global Village Space, limate change is already causing Uzbekistan to lose 15% of its water, and if the canal further reduces this by another 10%, Uzbekistan could face a 25% reduction in water.
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