Embassy of the United States of America

Mr. Peter Meisen
President
Global Energy Network International
P.O. Box 81565
San Diego, CA 92138

Dear Mr. Meisen,

I am replying to your letter of 12/28/95, addressed to Ambassador Indyk. The Ambassador has asked me to express his appreciation for the informative materials you included with your letter, and asked me to reply with a few comments.

My own responsibilities at the embassy include a number of regional infrastructure efforts, including electricity. A regional electricity grid was proposed two years ago under the auspices of the multilateral working group on Regional Economic Development (REDWG), and the European Union has studied the potential for joining the grids of Jordan, Egypt, Israel, and the Palestinians. We are aware of a broader plan to include Syria in such a network at the appropriate time, with connections into the Gulf at some later point in the future.

We are working with countries in the region and with interested nations outside the region to provide the infrastructure which seems to us fundamental if the Middle East is to achieve its full potential as a society of peaceful neighbors.

Again, thank you for your letter. May I wish you success in all your future endeavors.