Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
04LJUBLJANA1128
2004-12-20 11:12:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Ljubljana
Cable title:
SLOVENIA ON YUKOS AUCTION
how-toThis record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available. 201112Z Dec 04
C O N F I D E N T I A L LJUBLJANA 001128
SIPDIS
DEPT. FOR EUR/NCE
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/20/2014
TAGS: EPET ECON KPAO PREL PHUM RS SI
SUBJECT: SLOVENIA ON YUKOS AUCTION
REF: SECSTATE 268633
Classified By: Amb. Thomas B. Robertson Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)
C O N F I D E N T I A L LJUBLJANA 001128
SIPDIS
DEPT. FOR EUR/NCE
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/20/2014
TAGS: EPET ECON KPAO PREL PHUM RS SI
SUBJECT: SLOVENIA ON YUKOS AUCTION
REF: SECSTATE 268633
Classified By: Amb. Thomas B. Robertson Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)
1. (C) Pol/econ chief delivered reftel points to Angelina
Trajkovski of the MFA's Office for Eastern Europe on December
20. Trajkovski explained that no official reaction at the
minister level had been developed, but that this was clearly
a step backward for Russia and of concern to Slovenia. While
Trajkovski is not aware of any Slovenes involved in the oil
or gas industry in Russia, there are companies with
production facilities (drug maker Krka for example) and joint
ventures or considering expanding business in Russia.
--------------
ONLY A STUDENT OF RUSSIA
--------------
2. (C) Trajkovski spent seven years at Slovenia's mission
in Moscow, 1993-2000, and said that she was both surprised
and not surprised at recent developments in Moscow. She
thought it was important to note that Putin is extremely
popular across Russia and this popularity conveys legitimacy
(in the eyes of the Russians) to his consolidation efforts.
However, she did not think this popularity would translate
into an extension of his tenure beyond what is
constitutionally permitted, nor a Ukraine-style power play.
Putin, she thought, would have more finesse. Despite her
long tenure in Moscow and nearly four years covering Russia
from Ljubljana, Trajkovski declined to be labeled an "expert"
on Russia, saying wryly, "one can never become an expert,
only an eternal student."
--------------
SLOVENIA'S DIFFERENT RELATIONSHIP
--------------
3. (C) When asked about GoS views on an EU statement about
Yukos, Trajkovski was sure Slovenia would support one, but it
would be important to work out a message acceptable to all.
She fully appreciated the neuralgic reaction former Soviet
bloc countries now in the EU have to issues related to
Russia, but she also noted that Slovenia does not have any of
this negative baggage in its own relationship with Russia.
In fact, since first opening its mission in Moscow, relations
have been generally positive. She was careful to add that
this did not mean the GOS would be soft on Russia, only that
at this time, there is little strain in this bilateral
relationship. (Comment: As OSCE CiO, Slovenia will have to
draw heavily on its banked good-will with Russia to make 2005
a successful year in office. End Comment.)
ROBERTSON
NNNN
SIPDIS
DEPT. FOR EUR/NCE
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/20/2014
TAGS: EPET ECON KPAO PREL PHUM RS SI
SUBJECT: SLOVENIA ON YUKOS AUCTION
REF: SECSTATE 268633
Classified By: Amb. Thomas B. Robertson Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)
1. (C) Pol/econ chief delivered reftel points to Angelina
Trajkovski of the MFA's Office for Eastern Europe on December
20. Trajkovski explained that no official reaction at the
minister level had been developed, but that this was clearly
a step backward for Russia and of concern to Slovenia. While
Trajkovski is not aware of any Slovenes involved in the oil
or gas industry in Russia, there are companies with
production facilities (drug maker Krka for example) and joint
ventures or considering expanding business in Russia.
--------------
ONLY A STUDENT OF RUSSIA
--------------
2. (C) Trajkovski spent seven years at Slovenia's mission
in Moscow, 1993-2000, and said that she was both surprised
and not surprised at recent developments in Moscow. She
thought it was important to note that Putin is extremely
popular across Russia and this popularity conveys legitimacy
(in the eyes of the Russians) to his consolidation efforts.
However, she did not think this popularity would translate
into an extension of his tenure beyond what is
constitutionally permitted, nor a Ukraine-style power play.
Putin, she thought, would have more finesse. Despite her
long tenure in Moscow and nearly four years covering Russia
from Ljubljana, Trajkovski declined to be labeled an "expert"
on Russia, saying wryly, "one can never become an expert,
only an eternal student."
--------------
SLOVENIA'S DIFFERENT RELATIONSHIP
--------------
3. (C) When asked about GoS views on an EU statement about
Yukos, Trajkovski was sure Slovenia would support one, but it
would be important to work out a message acceptable to all.
She fully appreciated the neuralgic reaction former Soviet
bloc countries now in the EU have to issues related to
Russia, but she also noted that Slovenia does not have any of
this negative baggage in its own relationship with Russia.
In fact, since first opening its mission in Moscow, relations
have been generally positive. She was careful to add that
this did not mean the GOS would be soft on Russia, only that
at this time, there is little strain in this bilateral
relationship. (Comment: As OSCE CiO, Slovenia will have to
draw heavily on its banked good-will with Russia to make 2005
a successful year in office. End Comment.)
ROBERTSON
NNNN