Suu Kyi appeals for dam project review on ecological grounds

Burma's pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi appealed for a review of the ongoing dam projects in Kachin State.

The main project is the 6,000-megawatt Myitsone dam which is being built at the source of the Irrawaddy River.

"Ecological change to the Irrawaddy would impact all those whose lives are linked to the great river, from the ethnic peoples in the northernmost state of our country to the rice-growing communities of the
delta," Suu Kyi wrote in a statement. "To conserve the Irrawaddy is to protect our economy and our environment, as well as to safeguard our cultural heritage," she added.

"While recognizing that large sums of money have already been spent on the realization of the project, we would urge that in the interests of both national and international harmony, concerned parties should
reassess the scheme and cooperate to find solutions that would prevent undesirable consequences and thus allay the fears of all who are anxious to protect the Irrawaddy," Suu Kyi said.