Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07BAKU214
2007-02-16 06:03:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Baku
Cable title:  

MOVING FORWARD WITH THE DEPT OF ENERGY PROPOSAL ON

Tags:  PREL PGOV ENRG ABLD AMGT AJ 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0000
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHKB #0214 0470603
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 160603Z FEB 07
FM AMEMBASSY BAKU
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 2416
INFO RUEHAK/AMEMBASSY ANKARA PRIORITY 1997
RHEBAAA/DEPT OF ENERGY WASHDC PRIORITY
RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHDC PRIORITY
UNCLAS BAKU 000214 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR EUR/CARC, EUR/IO/EX AND OBO

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV ENRG ABLD AMGT AJ
SUBJECT: MOVING FORWARD WITH THE DEPT OF ENERGY PROPOSAL ON
WORKSHOP ON EARTHQUAKE-RESISTANT, ENERGY-EFFICIENT BUILDINGS

REF: A. BAKU 00049

B. 06 STATE 178269

UNCLAS BAKU 000214

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR EUR/CARC, EUR/IO/EX AND OBO

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV ENRG ABLD AMGT AJ
SUBJECT: MOVING FORWARD WITH THE DEPT OF ENERGY PROPOSAL ON
WORKSHOP ON EARTHQUAKE-RESISTANT, ENERGY-EFFICIENT BUILDINGS

REF: A. BAKU 00049

B. 06 STATE 178269


1. This is an action request; see para 5.


2. Jabrail Khanlarov, Chief of the State Construction Control
Agency at the Ministry of Emergency Situations, met with
emboffs on January 30 to discuss plans for the US Department
of Energy,s proposed workshop on earthquake-resistant,
energy-efficient buildings. Khanlarov welcomed a copy of the
California Building Code which we provided. Khanlarov stated
that the MES would use the California Building Codes in
conjunction with the building codes of other countries that
share similar seismological characteristics, in order to help
generate Azerbaijan,s new building code and related
legislation.


3. In moving forward with the workshop details, Khanlarov
suggested using the Customs Committee training center as the
venue for hosting the event and emphasized that it would be
large enough to accommodate the workshop. Khanlarov stated
he would follow up in securing the venue once the exact dates
of the workshop have been confirmed. Khanlarov said that
DOE's proposed June 2007 timeframe seemed good. Khanlarov
also expounded on the Azerbaijani audience for the workshop
stating that in country expert Elchin Khalilov, along with
the Institute of Geology, the Dadashov Institute within the
MES as well as Azerbaijani building construction companies
would be included. Khanlarov requested that in addition to
the USG providing its key representatives, he requested that
print materials to include catalogs and reference books be
provided with the lectures so that the attendees can walk
away from the workshop with more than just notes and
contacts. Khanlarov specifically stated that the ministry
lacked much-needed knowledge regarding elevator shafts, how
they operated, what was the standard construction as well as
tower cranes and believed that it would be beneficial if
these items could be addressed in the workshop.


4. Khanlarov also provided an update on the Ministry's
efforts to better regulate Baku's building boom, stating that
only 50 construction projects had been halted for not
complying with the new inspection practices. Following clear
guidance provided by the MES, most projects were allowed to
proceed and only a few remaining projects were still working
on their documentation. With respect to safety improvements,
he highlighted a new requirement administered by the MES
stating that every company which imports fire-extinguishers
must have a license to do so. Moreover, a new commission
within MES was in place which was responsible for inspecting
all Government and multi-story buildings, to include
buildings used by the public, to ensure they are up to the
necessary safety standards.


5. ACTION REQUEST: We would appreciate if the Department of
Energy could provide exact dates for the seminar so that we
can push forward with the details of bringing the workshop to
fruition. We also request that the DOE provide information
on the consultant who will organize this conference. Embassy
points-of-contact for the workshop are General Services
Officer Terry Alston, email AlstonTA@state.gov, telephone
994-12-498-0335, ext 4645 and PolEcon Officer Alison
Goldstein, email Goldsteinaj@state.gov, telephone
994-12-498-0335, ext 4982.
DERSE