STROYENERGO PROPOSAL ON OPIC CLAIM

UNCLAS MINSK 001259 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE PLEASE PASS OPIC E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EINV BO SUBJECT: STROYENERGO PROPOSAL ON OPIC CLAIM REF: STATE 161789 Sensitive but unclassified; Please protect accordingly. ¶1. (SBU) Post has no derogatory information on Stroyenergo. However, judging by some of the contracts it has received, Stroyenergo, like many large construction firms, apparently enjoys a close relationship with the Belarusian government. Given such a relationship, it is quite likely the letter from Col. Khorishko threatening to auction the equipment within a year if it was not removed was written at the request of Stroyenergo. ¶2. (SBU) Post would not recommend entering into any negotiations with a Belarusian firm if this would substantially release the GOB from its responsibilities. Lukashenko's advisors believe many governments critical of its rule will quickly forsake principles for economic gain. Budging on this claim may reinforce this notion. Given Stroyenergo's access to the GOB, post instead recommends OPIC inform the company that the GOB is always welcome to make an offer to resolve the matter. Stewart