Tuesday, February 8 2005 14:48 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Islamabad: The World Bank would appoint a neutral expert to assess the facts of Baglihar hydropower project in Jammu and Kashmir at "an appropriate time", its President James D Wolfensohn has said.

Wolfensohn, currently visiting Pakistan, said the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty between India and Pakistan, which was brokered by the Bank, has "worked incredibly well for many years."

"Anticipate for time to time there will be disputes. When those disputes occur the parties try to sort it out and when they can't they come to us saying can you appoint an arbitrator. We are in the middle of doing that now. My guess is that in an appropriate time not too far away," he told Geo TV in an interview broadcast today (Feb 8, 2005).

Asked whether the appointment of a neutral expert could take place this year or it could take years, he said, "I have not seen the papers. It is not going to be years."

Wolfensohn said the Bank would appoint "some one who can set the facts, assess the facts as presented and then the process will continue and you will get an answer."

He said there would be delay if the parties want to change the Treaty. "This is not to change of the treaty. This is seeking to get a decision under an existing treaty. My guess is that will follow the normal process."

Pakistan had asked the bank last month to appoint a neutral expert to mediate, claiming talks between the two neighbours on the dam issue had failed.