ACTION REQUEST: LIMITING AZERBAIJAN'S ENERGY

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAKU 001385 SIPDIS SIPDIS FOR EUR/CARC; S/CT; PM; DS; DESK PLEASE PASS TO DOE E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/16/2017 TAGS: ENRG EPET PTER MARR MASS PBTS IR AJ SUBJECT: ACTION REQUEST: LIMITING AZERBAIJAN'S ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE VULNERABILITIES REF: BAKU 00855 Classified By: Ambassador Anne E. Derse for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraph 2. ¶2. (C) Embassy requests that the Critical Energy Infrastructure Interagency group chaired by S/CT consider possible modalities for assisting the GOAJ to identify and design a plan for minimizing its energy infrastructure vulnerabilities. As part of this request, Embassy asks the interagency group to review the GOAJ's energy security powerpoint presentation (sent electronically) and develop a set of expert-level questions that Embassy can deliver to the GOAJ to prompt its thinking on CEIP. Per guidance from S/CT, the Embassy understands that this interagency working group is the focal point for the USG's critical energy infrastructure protection (CEIP) assistance. ¶3. (C) Azerbaijan's importance as a provider and transit country for oil and gas bound for European markets is growing. Bolstering Azerbaijan's CEIP capabilities advances the U.S. interest in diversifying energy supplies sent to Europe. Reftel provided an initial assessment of Azerbaijan's critical energy infrastructure vulnerabilities, highlighting security concerns at the Sangachal energy terminal and several offshore platforms. As noted, the GOAJ has a system and plans in place to deal with security threats at its on- and offshore installations, but the GOAJ's plans are hampered by a lack of resources, a lack of coordination among GOAJ agencies, and a fundamental lack of recognition of the vulnerabilities. Senior GOAJ officials have requested USG expertise in helping them identify their vulnerabilities and devise a more robust plan for addressing these vulnerabilities. The USG and the GOAJ agreed during the annual bilateral Security Dialogue in July to discuss ways to enhance Azerbaijan's CEIP posture. ¶4. (C) As the USG has emphasized a "cost-sharing" model of assistance with the GOAJ, we believe the USG should primarily offer expertise and training. Accordingly, the Embassy believes a set of expert-level questions -- crafted by representatives from the interagency group and based on the substance of the GOAJ's energy security presentation -- is the necessary first step to engage in a dialogue with the GOAJ. These questions and the GOAJ's answers could inform the interagency group's future considerations on aiding the GOAJ to identify its vulnerabilities and develop a more robust plan. ¶5. (C) Indicating the GOAJ's need for help in devising a CEIP strategy, the head of the Azerbaijani Coast Guard, Ilham Mediyev, asked visiting U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Breckenridge for assistance in protecting Azerbaijan's offshore energy infrastructure during a recent meeting. DERSE