Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08MINSK264
2008-12-22 16:42:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Minsk
Cable title:
BELARUS: REGIME SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH IMF; OPPOSITION CALLS
how-toVZCZCXRO2598 OO RUEHAG RUEHAST RUEHDA RUEHDF RUEHFL RUEHIK RUEHKW RUEHLA RUEHLN RUEHLZ RUEHNP RUEHPOD RUEHROV RUEHSR RUEHVK RUEHYG DE RUEHSK #0264 3571642 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O R 221642Z DEC 08 FM AMEMBASSY MINSK TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 0034 INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHINGTON DC RUEHSK/AMEMBASSY MINSK 0035
UNCLAS MINSK 000264
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EFIN PHUM ECON PREL BO
SUBJECT: BELARUS: REGIME SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH IMF; OPPOSITION CALLS
FOR IFI SUPPORT
REF: MINSK 260
UNCLAS MINSK 000264
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EFIN PHUM ECON PREL BO
SUBJECT: BELARUS: REGIME SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH IMF; OPPOSITION CALLS
FOR IFI SUPPORT
REF: MINSK 260
1. (SBU) We have learned from a NATO embassy that the GOB and
IMF mission signed an agreement for USD 2.5 billion late
December 19. According to the same source, the GOB has not/not
worked to accelerate IMF board approval, with the result that
the IMF board is not expected to deliberate on the agreement
until the week of January 5.
2. (SBU) In the meantime, United Democratic Forces (UDF) leader
and United Civic Party chair Anatoliy Lebedko met with Charge
December 19 to press for approval of IFI loans to the GOB.
Himself a victim of the dictatorship's oppression over the years
-- including physical attack -- Lebedko argued that prudent
economic help will allow the democratic opposition to
consolidate its position with both the regime and the general
public. He was extremely concerned that continuation of
financial dependence exclusively on Russia would damage Belarus'
sovereignty and complicate any future efforts at economic
reform. Lebedko told Charge that the UDF would soon be offering
the GOB the option of mutual efforts to deal with the
consequences of the global economic crisis.
Comment
--------------
3. (SBU) Post understands the statutory and legislative
constraints on USG support for any IFI assistance to Belarus,
and is also very aware of the unpredictability of Lukashenka's
public pronouncements and private actions. Nevertheless, the
small list of the regime's positive political steps continues to
grow -- the NGO "For Freedom" was registered last week -- and a
U.S. abstention in the IMF would emphasize to reform-minded
Belarusian elements (including the democratic opposition) that
the USG is closely engaged in helping them move forward.
MOORE
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EFIN PHUM ECON PREL BO
SUBJECT: BELARUS: REGIME SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH IMF; OPPOSITION CALLS
FOR IFI SUPPORT
REF: MINSK 260
1. (SBU) We have learned from a NATO embassy that the GOB and
IMF mission signed an agreement for USD 2.5 billion late
December 19. According to the same source, the GOB has not/not
worked to accelerate IMF board approval, with the result that
the IMF board is not expected to deliberate on the agreement
until the week of January 5.
2. (SBU) In the meantime, United Democratic Forces (UDF) leader
and United Civic Party chair Anatoliy Lebedko met with Charge
December 19 to press for approval of IFI loans to the GOB.
Himself a victim of the dictatorship's oppression over the years
-- including physical attack -- Lebedko argued that prudent
economic help will allow the democratic opposition to
consolidate its position with both the regime and the general
public. He was extremely concerned that continuation of
financial dependence exclusively on Russia would damage Belarus'
sovereignty and complicate any future efforts at economic
reform. Lebedko told Charge that the UDF would soon be offering
the GOB the option of mutual efforts to deal with the
consequences of the global economic crisis.
Comment
--------------
3. (SBU) Post understands the statutory and legislative
constraints on USG support for any IFI assistance to Belarus,
and is also very aware of the unpredictability of Lukashenka's
public pronouncements and private actions. Nevertheless, the
small list of the regime's positive political steps continues to
grow -- the NGO "For Freedom" was registered last week -- and a
U.S. abstention in the IMF would emphasize to reform-minded
Belarusian elements (including the democratic opposition) that
the USG is closely engaged in helping them move forward.
MOORE