Wednesday, February 9 2005 11:19 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Islamabad: The World Bank is likely to appoint in two weeks' time a neutral expert as sought by Pakistan to arbitrate in its dispute with India on the Baglihar hydro-power project, President James D Wolfensohn said in Islamabad yesterday (Feb 08, 2005).

An expert, not a mediator, would be appointed to make a judgment on the facts, Wolfensohn, who is currently visiting Pakistan, said at a press conference in Islamabad after his meeting with Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz.

"That is exactly what we are going to do at the moment, particularly straight forward way. As far as I can see there is no complexity in getting it done in matter of a short of time, I would guess following the rules of the game the rounds of two weeks, and then the appointment of a expert is likely to take place. The parties have agreed that it is binding," he said.

He, however, reiterated the Bank's earlier stand that it was not a guarantor of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty under which Pakistan filed its reference for arbitration over Baglihar. The bank also cannot ensure the implementation of the findings of the neutral expert if one of the parties declines to implement it.

In his press conference he also announced a $ 3 billion loan assistance for Pakistan over three years.

The World Bank which circulated a press release of Wolfensohn's visit did not invite the Indian media to Islamabad for his media briefing.