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