ENERGY INDEPENDENCE AND SEURITY ACT INFORMATION

UNCLAS CONAKRY 000126 SIPDIS COMMERCE FOR SALIHA LOUCIF SIPDIS E.O. 12598: N/A TAGS: ECON ENRG SENV APER ABUD GV SUBJECT: ENERGY INDEPENDENCE AND SEURITY ACT INFORMATION REFTEL: STATE 10743 ¶1. (U) Pursuant to REFTEL, Embassy Conakry provides the following requested information. ¶2. (U) QUESTION: Which sections of Embassy Conakry handle energy matter? RESPONSE: Energy matters are handled by the Ambassador, the Pol/Econ section, and by the DCM. ¶3. (U) QUESTION: What is the total number of staff in this section or sections? RESPONSE: 2 FSOs, one EFM, 3 LES in the Pol/Econ section; the Ambassador, the DCM, and two OMSes in the front office. ¶4. (U) QUESTION: Identify the positions of employees that work on energy matters and specify the percentage of time that such employees devote to energy matters? RESPONSE: Ambassador: 10 percent of the time; DCM: 5 percent of the time; Economic officer: 40 percent of the time; Political/Economic Chief: 20 percent of the time; Economic Assistant: 30 percent of the time; Commercial Assistant: 40 percent of the time; Political Assistant: 10 percent of the time. ¶5. (U) QUESTION: Please provide a brief narrative description of the positions of employees that work on energy matters. RESPONSE: The Pol/Econ Chief and Econoff meet with private energy companies and public officials to discuss the current issues regarding energy in Guinea, and prepare cables to Washington from those discussions. They also deliver energy related demarches as requested. The Commercial Assistant and the Economic Assistant provide background information, and assist with introductions to contacts in the energy field. The Ambassador meets with Ministers and CEOs of private businesses to address issues arising in the energy sector. ¶6. (U) Most issues regarding the energy sector revolve around the distribution of motor fuels in the country; however, potential hydro-electric energy is becoming more relevant with the Chinese planning to build a 1 billion dollar hydroelectric dam in exchange for bauxite reserves. There are also issues surrounding offshore petroleum exploration. ¶7. (U) QUESTION: Please provide the amounts of State Department funds, spent by Post in FY 2007 on energy-related activities in two categories: Personnel and Programs. RESPONSE: Embassy Conakry is currently compiling the information to provide an accurate figure. Post will send the information as soon as it is available. CARTER