Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08ASMARA577
2008-12-04 14:33:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Asmara
Cable title:
IRAN REFURBISHING AND OPERATING ERITREAN OIL
how-toR 041433Z DEC 08 FM AMEMBASSY ASMARA TO SECSTATE WASHDC 0047 INFO AMEMBASSY ABU DHABI AMEMBASSQ QDDIS ABABA AMEMBASSY DJIBOUTI AMEMBASSY LONDON AMEMBASSY PARIS AMCONSUL DUBAI CDR USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL CIA WASHDC CJTF-HOA J2X CAMP LEMONIER DJ COMUSNAVCENT DIA WASHDC HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE JICCENT MACDILL AFB FL ONI WASHINGTON DC SECDEF WASHDC
C O N F I D E N T I A L ASMARA 000577
DEPARTMENT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/TIA/ITA, DS/IP/SPC/SO, INR,
A/FE, LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/27/2028
TAGS: PGOV ENRG ER ASEC IR
SUBJECT: IRAN REFURBISHING AND OPERATING ERITREAN OIL
REFINERY IN ASSAB
Classified By: CDA Matthew D. Smith for Reason 1.4 (d)
C O N F I D E N T I A L ASMARA 000577
DEPARTMENT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/TIA/ITA, DS/IP/SPC/SO, INR,
A/FE, LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/27/2028
TAGS: PGOV ENRG ER ASEC IR
SUBJECT: IRAN REFURBISHING AND OPERATING ERITREAN OIL
REFINERY IN ASSAB
Classified By: CDA Matthew D. Smith for Reason 1.4 (d)
1. (C) The Eritrean government has reportedly sold, leased,
or granted operating rights of its Russian-built oil refinery
in Assab. A reliable EMBASSY source stated an unknown "Arab"
country would be operating this refinery. BBC reported on
11/25/08 that according to the Eritrean website
www.Eritrea1.org Iran is going to repair this oil refinery
and refine fuel for Iranian and Eritrean usage. According to
source, large numbers of Arabs have also been spotted in
Assab in recent weeks. The source also stated the Eritrean
government is refurbishing its government owned hotel Ras
Gombo Beach Hotel to house larger numbers of workers or
tourists. A second source with strong experience and ties to
the oil industry has explained that the refinery has not
operated since 1996, was pillaged for parts over the last 12
years, and requires an investment of tens of millions of
dollars to make it functional.
SMITH
DEPARTMENT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/TIA/ITA, DS/IP/SPC/SO, INR,
A/FE, LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/27/2028
TAGS: PGOV ENRG ER ASEC IR
SUBJECT: IRAN REFURBISHING AND OPERATING ERITREAN OIL
REFINERY IN ASSAB
Classified By: CDA Matthew D. Smith for Reason 1.4 (d)
1. (C) The Eritrean government has reportedly sold, leased,
or granted operating rights of its Russian-built oil refinery
in Assab. A reliable EMBASSY source stated an unknown "Arab"
country would be operating this refinery. BBC reported on
11/25/08 that according to the Eritrean website
www.Eritrea1.org Iran is going to repair this oil refinery
and refine fuel for Iranian and Eritrean usage. According to
source, large numbers of Arabs have also been spotted in
Assab in recent weeks. The source also stated the Eritrean
government is refurbishing its government owned hotel Ras
Gombo Beach Hotel to house larger numbers of workers or
tourists. A second source with strong experience and ties to
the oil industry has explained that the refinery has not
operated since 1996, was pillaged for parts over the last 12
years, and requires an investment of tens of millions of
dollars to make it functional.
SMITH