Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08VILNIUS236
2008-04-15 11:03:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Vilnius
Cable title:
FORMER POLITICAL PRISONER KLIMOV TO VISIT U.S.
how-toVZCZCXRO7784 PP RUEHAG RUEHAST RUEHDA RUEHDF RUEHFL RUEHIK RUEHKW RUEHLA RUEHLN RUEHLZ RUEHPOD RUEHROV RUEHSR RUEHVK RUEHYG DE RUEHVL #0236 1061103 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 151103Z APR 08 FM AMEMBASSY VILNIUS TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 2169 INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE RUEHBS/USEU BRUSSELS RUEHVEN/USMISSION USOSCE 0208 RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE RUFOADA/JAC MOLESWORTH RAF MOLESWORTH UK
UNCLAS VILNIUS 000236
SIPDIS
AMEMBASSY MINSK SENDS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PHUM PINR BO
SUBJECT: FORMER POLITICAL PRISONER KLIMOV TO VISIT U.S.
UNCLAS VILNIUS 000236
SIPDIS
AMEMBASSY MINSK SENDS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PHUM PINR BO
SUBJECT: FORMER POLITICAL PRISONER KLIMOV TO VISIT U.S.
1. (SBU) Charge, A/DCM and A/Pol/Econ Chief met April 14 with
former political prisoner Andrey Klimov. Klimov -- released from
his third long-term sentence as a prisoner of conscience in
February, and known for being somewhat eccentric -- described for
Charge and Emboffs how the stress of his detention continues to
affect his health. A diabetic, Klimov complained of respiratory
problems and heart trouble in addition to lingering problems
stabilizing his blood sugar. Thanks to an invitation from prominent
members of the Belarusian diaspora in the U.S., Klimov hopes to
visit in late April/early May for medical treatment and
recuperation. Klimov expressed interest in meeting with USG
representatives during his trip.
UCP Leadership Challenge Not a Threat to Party
-------------- -
2. (SBU) Klimov, a member of the United Civic Party (UCP) since his
days as an MP in Belarus' last legitimately elected parliament, told
Emboffs that the leadership election to be held in late April at the
UCP Party Congress is unlikely to threaten party unity. According
to Klimov, the UCP has traditionally had a strong base, drawing its
members from among entrepreneurs and the intelligentsia, and was
therefore less likely to fracture based on the results of a
leadership contest.
Comment
--------------
3. (SBU) It is heartening to see that Klimov retains interest in
opposition politics despite the health issues that continue to
trouble him. His perspectives are important, although he -- like
many -- tries very hard to find logic in the regime's actions, when
logic is very rarely a factor in Lukashenko's thinking.
MOORE
LEADER
SIPDIS
AMEMBASSY MINSK SENDS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PHUM PINR BO
SUBJECT: FORMER POLITICAL PRISONER KLIMOV TO VISIT U.S.
1. (SBU) Charge, A/DCM and A/Pol/Econ Chief met April 14 with
former political prisoner Andrey Klimov. Klimov -- released from
his third long-term sentence as a prisoner of conscience in
February, and known for being somewhat eccentric -- described for
Charge and Emboffs how the stress of his detention continues to
affect his health. A diabetic, Klimov complained of respiratory
problems and heart trouble in addition to lingering problems
stabilizing his blood sugar. Thanks to an invitation from prominent
members of the Belarusian diaspora in the U.S., Klimov hopes to
visit in late April/early May for medical treatment and
recuperation. Klimov expressed interest in meeting with USG
representatives during his trip.
UCP Leadership Challenge Not a Threat to Party
-------------- -
2. (SBU) Klimov, a member of the United Civic Party (UCP) since his
days as an MP in Belarus' last legitimately elected parliament, told
Emboffs that the leadership election to be held in late April at the
UCP Party Congress is unlikely to threaten party unity. According
to Klimov, the UCP has traditionally had a strong base, drawing its
members from among entrepreneurs and the intelligentsia, and was
therefore less likely to fracture based on the results of a
leadership contest.
Comment
--------------
3. (SBU) It is heartening to see that Klimov retains interest in
opposition politics despite the health issues that continue to
trouble him. His perspectives are important, although he -- like
many -- tries very hard to find logic in the regime's actions, when
logic is very rarely a factor in Lukashenko's thinking.
MOORE
LEADER