SLOVAKIA - INPUT FOR ENERGY REPORT TO CONGRESS

UNCLAS BRATISLAVA 000087

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR EEB/ESC/IEC - GGRIFFIN

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ENRG SENV APER ABUD LO
SUBJECT: SLOVAKIA - INPUT FOR ENERGY REPORT TO CONGRESS

REF: STATE 10743


1. We are providing the below response on Post's energy
related activities based on the questions in para. 4 of
reftel.


2. Question A: The Political/Economic Section is responsible
for energy policy matters. The section is composed of three
Foreign Service Officers, one Fascell Fellow, and four FSNs.
The U.S. Commercial Service is responsible for promoting U.S.
exports in the energy sector, and works together with the
Pol/Econ section on issues related to commercial advocacy.
The Commercial Service has one Foreign Service Officer and
three LES employees.


3. Question B: In addition to the front office, the Pol/Econ
section and the Commercial Service in 2007 devoted the
following percentage of their time to energy issues:

-- Economic Chief (Deputy of the P/E section): 35 percent
-- Pol/Economic Officer: 10 percent
-- LES Economic Specialist: 30 percent
-- Senior Commercial Officer: 40 percent
-- LES Commercial Specialist: 50 percent


4. Question C: The Economic Chief has the lead on Mission
efforts on energy issues with a specific focus on the oil,
gas and nuclear sectors. This includes engaging with top
government and private sector officials on domestic and
regional energy policies. The key issues include the sale of
a 49 percent stake (plus management control) in the oil
transit pipeline, contracts on ongoing and future nuclear
projects, and long-term gas contracts. The officer reports on
all developments in the Slovak energy sector, with the
exception of alternative energy. The officer coordinates
with the Foreign Commercial Officer in advocating on behalf
of U.S. companies active or interested in the energy sector.

The Pol/Econ Officer is Post's Environment, Science and
Technology officer and has primary responsibility for climate
change and alternative energy. Responsibilities include
reporting and preparing speeches and background materials on
these issues.

The LES Economic Specialist researches, analyzes and prepares
reports and background information on energy issues. The
Specialist closely follows legislative and other developments
related to oil, gas and nuclear sectors.

The Senior Commercial Officer maintains contacts with energy
companies in the U.S. and Slovakia and advocates on behalf of
U.S. companies with the Slovak government. In 2007 he
organized a renewable energy and alternative fuels trade
mission for companies with alternative energy products and
technologies.

The LES Commercial Specialist drafts market research reports
and analyses, maintains contacts with government decision
makers in the energy sector, advocates on behalf of U.S.
companies, provides contact-making services for U.S. energy
companies, and supports trade missions and other energy
related visits.


5. Question D: Salary costs based on time distribution in
question B are estimated to be $126,250. Together the
Pol/Econ section and the Commercial Service spent
approximately $3,500 on program-related activities.


6. Embassy POC is Economic Chief William Laitinen,
laitinenwh@state.gov, tel: 421 2 5922 3394.
OBSITNIK