Russia wins
Recently, I was arguing that Tajik migrants have become a powerful tool in Russia’s hands against Tajikistan. Tajikistan would never get in direct conflict with Russia and labor migration would be one of the main reasons for that. The contradictions over construction of Rogun power station could easily become a strong reason for further constraints in relations between the two countries.
The statement of President Rahmon this week (rus) during a meeting with Russian high official was a signal for Russia that Tajikistan does not want be its adversary. According to the Russian official, who gave interview after the meeting, President Rahmon is “exceedingly [extremely] interested in participation of Russia in this project and he anticipates apt versions of agreement on this issue”.
This means that Tajikistan is ready to let Russia have half of Rogun power station once it built.
on December 10th, 2007 at 6:32 pm
I would not necessarily make that conclusion…
Here is why:
1) The quote does not define Russia’s level of participation. Is it sole participation or within a group of more developed investors?
The fact that RT is interested in seeing Russia participate in its project does not mean that it is willing to let go of 50% of its ownership in the asset.
Nothing in the statement indicates that RT accepts the condition of the RF being the sole investor, or does it?