Ilisu controversy exposed by Experts and Financial Times
A. Protest Rallies Against Turkish Dam Held All Over Europe
A. Protest Rallies Against Turkish Dam Held All Over Europe
(ECA Watch, Paris, 14 March 2008) Critics of the ill-conceived Ilisu Dam in Turkey held protests and rallies all over Europe in front government buildings, banks and companies involved in the dam project. The protesters' case against the dam was bolstered by revelations in a new experts report that environmental and social conditionalities are not being followed.
B. Berlin May Withdraw ECA Backing for Turkish Dam Project
(Der Spiegel, Frankfurt, 24 March 2008) Germany is considering suspending export guarantees for the planned construction of a controversial bridge in Turkey that would flood ancient cultural treasures and force the displacement of tens of thousands of residents.
C. Financial Times Weekend Magazine highlights Ilisu "Deep Divide"
(Financial Times, London, 22 March 2008) Eighty kilometres downstream from Hasankeyf lies a very serious threat to its future. At the village of Ilisu, a huge dam is being planned and constructed by the Turkish government. When the project is finished, Hasankeyf will be inundated, submerging thousands of years of history. This FT documentary includes 3 online videos showing the degree of opposition to the dam in the region, including Iraqi concerns at significantly reduced water flows in the Tigris River which Turkey has not consulted on as required by international law. The experts found significant problems, particularly in the area of resettlement. There is no full income restoration plan and grievance mechanism as required, villagers were not properly informed, and there has not been a proper archaeological survey or environmental plan.
D. ECA Committee of Experts report now available (PDF)
(Ilisu CoE, 13 February 2008) An 81 page report written by the committee of experts hired by European export credit agencies shows that the social and environmental risks of the project are as great as anticipated by NGO critics.
A. Protest Rallies Against Turkish Dam Held All Over Europe
(ECA Watch, Paris, 14 March 2008) Critics of the ill-conceived Ilisu Dam in Turkey held protests and rallies all over Europe in front government buildings, banks and companies involved in the dam project. The protesters' case against the dam was bolstered by revelations in a new experts report that environmental and social conditionalities are not being followed.
B. Berlin May Withdraw ECA Backing for Turkish Dam Project
(Der Spiegel, Frankfurt, 24 March 2008) Germany is considering suspending export guarantees for the planned construction of a controversial bridge in Turkey that would flood ancient cultural treasures and force the displacement of tens of thousands of residents.
C. Financial Times Weekend Magazine highlights Ilisu "Deep Divide"
(Financial Times, London, 22 March 2008) Eighty kilometres downstream from Hasankeyf lies a very serious threat to its future. At the village of Ilisu, a huge dam is being planned and constructed by the Turkish government. When the project is finished, Hasankeyf will be inundated, submerging thousands of years of history. This FT documentary includes 3 online videos showing the degree of opposition to the dam in the region, including Iraqi concerns at significantly reduced water flows in the Tigris River which Turkey has not consulted on as required by international law. The experts found significant problems, particularly in the area of resettlement. There is no full income restoration plan and grievance mechanism as required, villagers were not properly informed, and there has not been a proper archaeological survey or environmental plan.
D. ECA Committee of Experts report now available (PDF)
(Ilisu CoE, 13 February 2008) An 81 page report written by the committee of experts hired by European export credit agencies shows that the social and environmental risks of the project are as great as anticipated by NGO critics.