FUEL TAX DEMARCHE DELIVERED

UNCLAS LA PAZ 000440 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR EB/TRA JHORWITZ AND WHA/AND LPETRONI COMMERCE FOR EALFORD AND JANGLIN STATE PASS TO DOT FOR CCOLDREN TREASURY FOR SGOOCH E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAIR PREL BL SUBJECT: FUEL TAX DEMARCHE DELIVERED REF: STATE 22791 ¶1. (U) Econoffs delivered reftel talking points to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Maria Luisa Ramos, Vice Minister of Economic Relations and Foreign Trade, on February 13, ¶2006. Ramos said she was unfamiliar with the issue but promised to speak to GOB counterparts in relevant ministries, asking for a letter outlining the USG position to use in discussions with appropriate officials. ¶2. (U) A letter drafted with L input was signed by Ambassador Greenlee on February 16 and delivered to Ramos the following day. GOB officials are aware they have 14 days from the date of the letter to respond to USG demands that the GOB eliminate taxes on jet fuel uplifted by U.S.-registered air carriers, lest Bolivian air carriers' current exemption from U.S. fuel taxes be removed. Post requests that the Department of Commerce advise the Embassy several days before Bolivian airlines are forced to begin paying U.S. fuel taxes. GREENLEE