DOMINICAN REPUBLIC BIDDING FOR IRENE REGIONAL

UNCLAS SANTO DOMINGO 000703 SIPDIS SENSITIVE EEB/ESC FOR DANIELLE MONOSSON, OES/EGC FOR GRIFF THOMPSON, AND IO/EDA FOR REBECCA WEBBER, WHA/CAR FOR BRIDGET PREMONT E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ENRG KGHG SENV SUBJECT: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC BIDDING FOR IRENE REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS REF: A. STATE 59971 ¶B. STATE 61286 ¶1. (SBU) Onil Abreu Tabar, the Renewable Energy Director of the National Energy Commission, told EconOff that the Dominican Republic is posturing to host the Latin America regional headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). He said that the Dominican Republic has been approached by both the UAE and Spain, on behalf of Germany, regarding the bidding for the IRENA headquarters. Abreu Tabar said that the Dominican Republic would support the UAE's bid for the headquarters and added that the Dominican Republic had also sought the UAE's reciprocal support for its hosting of the regional center. ¶2. (SBU) President of the National Energy Commission Aristides Fernandez Zucco will attend the June 28-30 meeting in Egypt. The GoDR is working to develop its position regarding the mission, purpose and focus of the IRENA, Abreu Tabar said. He told EconOff that while the Dominican Republic has signed the Statute, he does not know when it will be ratified. BULLEN