BOLIVIA NOMINEE MICHAEL STEWART FOR WASHINGTON

UNCLAS LA PAZ 000458 SIPDIS SIPDIS PASS TO EB/ESC/IEC/ENR; FSI/SPAS/ECON FOR LISA FOX; HR/CDA/ML FOR HELEN RECINOS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AFSI APER ENRG EPET ECON SUBJECT: BOLIVIA NOMINEE MICHAEL STEWART FOR WASHINGTON ENERGY SEMINAR REF: SECSTATE 20791 ¶1. Embassy La Paz nominates Michael Stewart, Economic Officer, to attend the Washington Energy Seminar, PE 228. Michael is responsible for reporting on the hydrocarbons sector in Bolivia. His assignment is expected to run through the summer of 2009. Contact information is as follows: office (591-2) 216-8862, fax (591-2) 216-8855, Stewartmp@state.gov. Travel to Washington will be exclusively for the Washington Energy Seminar. ¶2. The gas industry is the single most important sector of the Bolivian Economy. Policy regarding the industry is complex and ever-changing in the Bolivian context. Michael needs a better understanding of the practical implications of government actions on the industry. Moreover, Michael plans to make Energy a major theme of his career. He is considering Angola as his next overseas posting. Post will pay for all costs not covered by FSI and co-sponsors. GOLDBERG