DOE REQUEST FOR POST ASSISTANCE: JUNE 10-11

UNCLAS STATE 027621

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ENRG TX ZK
SUBJECT: DOE REQUEST FOR POST ASSISTANCE: JUNE 10-11
PIPELINE SEMINAR


1. (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraphs
3-12.


2. (U) The Department of Energy (DOE) plans to develop a
two-day pipeline workshop in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The
Workshop on Gas Pipeline Infrastructure Management would take
place Wednesday, June 10, and Thursday, June 11, 2009 at the
Nissa Hotel. For the conference to be a success, DOE
requests Post assistance in a number of areas outlined below.


3. (U) Action request. DOE requests that Post deliver the
diplomatic note describing the program to the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs (MFA) for forwarding to the Ministry of Oil
and Gas, the State Agency for Management and Use of
Hydrocarbon Resources, and the Turkmengaz State Concern.


4. (U) Action request. DOE requests that Post obtain a
response from the aforementioned agencies concerning the
level of interest no later than Monday, April 13 to allow the
workshop to proceed on June 10 and 11, 2009. In order to
have a successful workshop that will benefit Turkmenistan's
gas sector, DOE requests that Post help identify potential
participants from the relevant agencies with an adequate
background in pipeline management.


5. (U) Action request. DOE would like at least two
Government of Turkmenistan senior policy-makers to speak on
the first panel of the 2-day workshop. DOE requests that
Post transmit a letter of invitation to senior policymakers
for the reception that will occur on the second day of the
workshop. Invitees ideally will include representatives from
the three aforementioned agencies. U.S. energy companies
that are helping to co-sponsor the event would like to have
assurances of senior-level attendance for them to commit to
the program. DOE and companies would ideally like to
include: Yashygeldy Kakaev at the State Agency for
Hydrocarbons or his deputy, Minister Deryaev with the
Ministry of Oil and Gas or his deputy, and Baymurat
Hojamuhamedov with the Turkmengaz State Concern or his deputy.


6. (U) Action request. DOE, Oak Ridge National Lab, and the
technical experts will provide marketing materials in Russian
and English no later than 6 weeks before the program begins
(mid-May). We will send these materials electronically and
request that Post recommend a preferred printing method. DOE
requests that Post distribute these promotional materials to
relevant senior managers at the Turkmengaz State Concern and
the Ministry of Oil and Gas. DOE will reimburse Post for any
expenses incurred in this regard.


7. (U) Action request. DOE requests that Post confirm that
a conference room that fits up to 30 people is available at
the Nissa hotel with a projector screen (or at least a plain
white wall) and a microphone. We also request that Post
determine availability of a room at the Nissa hotel for the
reception. DOE requests that Post confirm that the Nissa
hotel will use its own catering service for the reception,
lunches, and beverages during the workshop. DOE will pay the
hotel either directly for these services or by reimbursing
Post via a fund cite. The technical experts will bring
presentation equipment (projectors, cords, computer, etc.)
that are 220 volt to be used in the conference room.


8. (U) Action request. DOE requests visa assistance and
letters of invitation from Post for two DOE participants and
2 contractors that will be giving the workshop. The
contractors will arrange their own travel to be reimbursed
directly by DOE. DOE requests Post to reserve four hotel
rooms, ideally at the Nissa hotel, for the two contractors
and 2 DOE employees.


9. (U) Action request. If needed, DOE requests that Post
reserve transportation service for transport from and to the
airport and on the day prior to the start of the workshop.


10. (U) Action request. DOE requests that Post send the
contact information for recommended companies for
simultaneous translation services to DOE. DOE and the
technical experts would appreciate a list of references for
the translators and would choose a recommended service, with
the guidance of Post. DOE will either pay this company
directly or will reimburse Post for the chosen translating
service.


11. (U) Action request. DOE and the technical experts will
translate power point presentation materials into Russian for
the participants. DOE and the contractor will print enough
copies and bring them along for the program.


12. (U) Action request. Payment for services rendered will
come out of funds residing at DOE's Oak Ridge National Labs.
To reduce overhead and administrative costs, DOE would
appreciate Post's assistance in reducing the number of wire
transfers that need to be paid.
CLINTON