Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09MINSK137
2009-04-29 17:06:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Minsk
Cable title:
BELARUS: REGIME VIEWS ON POSITIVE POLITICAL CHANGES, OTHER
how-toVZCZCXRO2366 PP RUEHAG RUEHAST RUEHDA RUEHDBU RUEHDF RUEHFL RUEHIK RUEHKW RUEHLA RUEHLN RUEHLZ RUEHNP RUEHPOD RUEHROV RUEHSR RUEHVK RUEHYG DE RUEHSK #0137 1191706 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P R 291706Z APR 09 FM AMEMBASSY MINSK TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 0242 INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHINGTON DC RUEHSK/AMEMBASSY MINSK 0246
UNCLAS MINSK 000137
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
TREASURY FOR OFAC
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM CASC ETRD BO
SUBJECT: BELARUS: REGIME VIEWS ON POSITIVE POLITICAL CHANGES, OTHER
ISSUES
REF: A) MINSK 132, B) MINSK 133, C) MINSK 091, D) MINSK 115
UNCLAS MINSK 000137
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
TREASURY FOR OFAC
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM CASC ETRD BO
SUBJECT: BELARUS: REGIME VIEWS ON POSITIVE POLITICAL CHANGES, OTHER
ISSUES
REF: A) MINSK 132, B) MINSK 133, C) MINSK 091, D) MINSK 115
1. (SBU) Presidential Foreign Policy Advisor Valentin Rybakov
met with Charge April 29 at the request of Presidential
Administration head Vladimir Makey (Rybakov confirmed that
rumors that Makey was still recovering from an illness). Charge
inquired about statements made by Lukashenka in his annual
address (ref A) suggesting that there would be no more political
"liberalization." Confirming sentiments shared April 8 with
Charge by Makey, Rybakov was adamant that positive, political
steps "responding to U.S. and EU concerns" would continue to be
made, and cited the peaceful conduct at the April 26 Chernobyl
protest (ref B) as proof. Rybakov did not offer what other
specific steps might be taken, or what the timeline might be.
He suggested that Lukashenka's remarks were candid thoughts
which reflected frustration with the opposition, and in
particular with demands for radical changes.
2. (SBU) Charge also inquired about the case of AMCIT Emanuel
Zeltser (ref C),in custody since March 2008 and in very poor
health, whose release the USG is seeking on humanitarian
grounds. Rybakov asserted only that Zeltser will be released,
but offered no time line for that step despite being pressed
repeatedly. Rybakov made no offers or requests in connection
with the Zeltser case. (Comment: Post's consular officer is
scheduled to visit Zeltser April 30. End comment.)
3. (SBU) Rybakov asked about the problems the Belarusian Steel
Works (BMZ) are having with the American Petroleum Institute
(API),which has ended a commercial agreement ostensibly due to
USG sanctions (ref D). Charge pointed out that BMZ has not been
cited by the USG as subject to sanctions, and encouraged the
Belarusian Charge in Washington and/or BMZ to pursue a dialogue
with API. Rybakov acknowledged that API is a private
institution, and that the USG has no role in its work, but
expressed frustration that the matter remained unresolved.
MOORE
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
TREASURY FOR OFAC
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM CASC ETRD BO
SUBJECT: BELARUS: REGIME VIEWS ON POSITIVE POLITICAL CHANGES, OTHER
ISSUES
REF: A) MINSK 132, B) MINSK 133, C) MINSK 091, D) MINSK 115
1. (SBU) Presidential Foreign Policy Advisor Valentin Rybakov
met with Charge April 29 at the request of Presidential
Administration head Vladimir Makey (Rybakov confirmed that
rumors that Makey was still recovering from an illness). Charge
inquired about statements made by Lukashenka in his annual
address (ref A) suggesting that there would be no more political
"liberalization." Confirming sentiments shared April 8 with
Charge by Makey, Rybakov was adamant that positive, political
steps "responding to U.S. and EU concerns" would continue to be
made, and cited the peaceful conduct at the April 26 Chernobyl
protest (ref B) as proof. Rybakov did not offer what other
specific steps might be taken, or what the timeline might be.
He suggested that Lukashenka's remarks were candid thoughts
which reflected frustration with the opposition, and in
particular with demands for radical changes.
2. (SBU) Charge also inquired about the case of AMCIT Emanuel
Zeltser (ref C),in custody since March 2008 and in very poor
health, whose release the USG is seeking on humanitarian
grounds. Rybakov asserted only that Zeltser will be released,
but offered no time line for that step despite being pressed
repeatedly. Rybakov made no offers or requests in connection
with the Zeltser case. (Comment: Post's consular officer is
scheduled to visit Zeltser April 30. End comment.)
3. (SBU) Rybakov asked about the problems the Belarusian Steel
Works (BMZ) are having with the American Petroleum Institute
(API),which has ended a commercial agreement ostensibly due to
USG sanctions (ref D). Charge pointed out that BMZ has not been
cited by the USG as subject to sanctions, and encouraged the
Belarusian Charge in Washington and/or BMZ to pursue a dialogue
with API. Rybakov acknowledged that API is a private
institution, and that the USG has no role in its work, but
expressed frustration that the matter remained unresolved.
MOORE