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