During the Bishkek summit of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), where Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are members, presidents have avoided direct criticizing of the US and NATO. But there was still some criticism and tension, which involved the member states themselves. This might become yet another challenge to test the capability of this organization to solve regional problems and foster cooperation.

Anti-american emotions were only indirectly implied in the speech of the Iranian president Mahmoud Akhmadinejad, whose country has an observer status in the SCO. He spoke about “one of the countries, which got used to speak from the position of power”.

The President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov in his turn reproached the western policies in Afghanistan, and urged for, quote en quote, “no matter how paradoxical it might sound…a demilitarization” in this country and a wider involvement of the international community in the realization of socio-economic reforms. He also expressed the concern among the neighboring countries over the situation in Afghanistan characterized by the tendency of the further aggravation in the view of the strengthening of Taliban and increasing drug production and trafficking.

In his speech the president of Uzbekistan has further spoken about the economic cooperation among the members of the SCO and in particular, touched upon the issue of water usage. Islam Karimov pointed out that the issue of using the waters of Syrdaria and Amudaria rivers concerns 6 countries with the total population of 50 million people.

Hence, any plans of the construction of hydro-power stations and water storages should take into consideration the interests of states located in the lower course of these rivers, as well. Otherwise, the life of people living in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan could be worsened.

“In case of a damage to these interests a compensation has to be considered”, - he said. The president also referred to the UN General Assembly convention dated from 1997, and said that to guarantee that projects are carried out in line with the international law, a neutral third party international auditing organization has to be invited. He also mentioned the positions of the World Bank and Asian Development Bank to the issue of water usage.

“We have forgotten about the Aral Sea disaster”- he had added looking at his counterparts at the round-table.

His statement can be understood as a move to oppose Russian and Chinese plans of constructing new hydro-power stations and water storage reservoirs in Tajikistan, in the headwaters of Amudarya river. Tajikistan sees big investment and future profits from these new projects, which could boost its economy and improve living conditions of its citizens. It has even invited Iran for the construction of such a station.

On the other side, Uzbekistan is highly dependent on the waters of both Syrdaria and Amudaria used by its farmers and agricultural sector. Uzbek cotton production is a major hard currency winner. Earlier this year Uzbekistan tried to solve some of its water usage disputes with Kyrgyzstan, where headwaters of Syrdaria river begin.

The bilateral relations between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan have not been very constructive since the early 1990s, which can still be observed in the border issues and constant espionage scandals involving both countries. Water has also been one of the main reasons for them.

It might prove crucial for the SCO, whether it will gain enough authority in reconciling its member countries and resolving existing regional problems in Central Asia that often go beyond military or security issues (especially, if Turkmenistan were to join it in the near future). Of course, if the organization wants to become a key player in the regional integration of Central Asia and beyond.

A centuries old wisdom in Central Asia claims - water is life. Hence, it might be worth of struggle.

Meanwhile, prices for water used in households has gone up in Uzbekistan.

*originally posted on my blog.