Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
03ZAGREB489
2003-03-06 14:59:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Zagreb
Cable title:
AMBASSADOR REVIEWS PRIORITY ISSUES WITH NEW DEPUTY
how-toThis record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 ZAGREB 000489
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/03/2008
TAGS: PREL PINR PREF PINR PREF PINR PREF HR HRPREL NATO NATO
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR REVIEWS PRIORITY ISSUES WITH NEW DEPUTY
FOREIGN MINISTER
CLASSIFIED BY: DCM PATRICK MOON FOR REASONS 1.5 (B) AND (D).
SUMMARY
-------
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 ZAGREB 000489
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/03/2008
TAGS: PREL PINR PREF PINR PREF PINR PREF HR HRPREL NATO NATO
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR REVIEWS PRIORITY ISSUES WITH NEW DEPUTY
FOREIGN MINISTER
CLASSIFIED BY: DCM PATRICK MOON FOR REASONS 1.5 (B) AND (D).
SUMMARY
--------------
1. (C) IN A MARCH 3 INTRODUCTORY CALL ON NEW DEPUTY FOREIGN
MINISTER SIMONOVIC, THE AMBASSADOR REVIEWED THE U.S. APPROACH
CONFIDENTIAL
PAGE 02 ZAGREB 00489 01 OF 03 061511Z
ON IRAQ, STEPS TOWARD CROATIA,S CANDIDACY FOR NATO
MEMBERSHIP, THE SFRY ASSETS SUCCESSION ISSUES, OUR REQUEST
FOR AN ARTICLE 98 AGREEMENT WITH CROATIA, ICTY COMPLIANCE,
REFUGEE RETURNS AND THE UPCOMING UNCHR SESSION. SIMONOVIC
CONFIRMED THAT CROATIA DOES NOT SEE A MAJOR ROLE FOR ITSELF
ON IRAQ, BUT STILL WANTED TO BE SUPPORTIVE. CROATIA WOULD
READILY PURSUE REGIONAL INITIATIVES (INCLUDING THE ADRIATIC
CHARTER) BUT DID NOT WANT TO ENDANGER CLOSE TIES TO WESTERN
EUROPEAN COUNTRIES. SIMONOVIC SAID CROATIA DID NOT WANT TO
BE AN OBSTACLE TO THE UNFREEZING OF SFRY ASSETS AND WANTED A
QUICK RESOLUTION TO THE PROBLEMS WITH THE AGREEMENT ON
SUCCESSION ISSUES. HE SAID THAT THE GOC MUST DO A BETTER JOB
ON ICTY AND REFUGEE RETURNS. ACCORDING TO THE NEW DEPUTY
FOREIGN MINISTER, CROATIA HAS A BRIEF WINDOW REMAINING FOR
TOUGH DECISIONS; THE UPCOMING ELECTION SEASON WOULD SOON
CLOSE THE DOOR ON UNPOPULAR ACTIONS BY THE GOC COALITION.
END SUMMARY.
IRAQ
--------------
2. (C) IN HIS INTRODUCTORY CALL ON NEWLY ARRIVED DEPUTY
FOREIGN MINISTER IVAN SIMONOVIC (UNTIL RECENTLY CROATIA,S UN
PERMREP) ON MARCH 3, AMBASSADOR ROSSIN ASKED FOR CROATIA'S
SUPPORT AT THE UN FOR U.S. OBJECTIVES ON IRAQ. SIMONOVIC
SAID HE DID NOT FORESEE A MAJOR ROLE FOR CROATIA AND
INDICATED HIS BELIEF THAT THE UNSC WOULD APPROVE A SECOND
RESOLUTION, WHICH WAS ALSO IMPORTANT FOR PRESERVING THE
RELEVANCE AND CREDIBILITY OF THE UN. HE SPECULATED THAT IT
WOULD TAKE A LONG TIME TO INSTALL TRUE DEMOCRACY IN IRAQ
GIVEN THE ETHNIC AND RELIGIOUS TENSIONS. THE AMBASSADOR
CONFIDENTIAL
PAGE 03 ZAGREB 00489 01 OF 03 061511Z
THANKED CROATIA FOR ITS RECENT DECISION TO PERMIT FLOW
THROUGH OF COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT CARRYING U.S. TROOPS TO THE
REGION. WHILE WE DID NOT NEED ADDITIONAL SUPPORT AT THIS
TIME, IT WAS POSSIBLE THE U.S. WOULD SEEK ADDITIONAL
COOPERATION IN THE FUTURE TO SUPPORT OUR MILITARY OPERATIONS.
THE U.S. SOUGHT A CLOSE DIALOGUE WITH THE GOC ON THE IRAQ
SITUATION.
NATO AND CROATIA
--------------
3. (C) THE AMBASSADOR NOTED PROGRESS ON THE ADRIATIC CHARTER
TEXT AND RECONFIRMED HIS ATTENDANCE AT THE MEETING OF THE
THREE FOREIGN MINISTERS IN DUBROVNIK ON MARCH 7. HE PRESSED
FOR A STRONG STATEMENT ON IRAQ IN THE PLANNED DUBROVNIK
DECLARATION. REFERRING TO THE CROATIAN LANGUAGE ON
INDIVIDUAL TRACKS INSERTED INTO THE DRAFT CHARTER, SIMONOVIC
ADMITTED THAT CROATIA HAD BEEN RELUCTANT TO PURSUE REGIONAL
COOPERATION FOR FEAR OF CUTTING INCREASINGLY CLOSE RELATIONS
WITH WESTERN EUROPEAN STATES. HOWEVER, HE ASSURED THE
AMBASSADOR, WITH UNSUAL ANIMATION, THAT CROATIA WAS FULLY
COMMITTED TO CLOSE COOPERATION WITH REGIONAL PARTNERS AND
WOULD SEEK TO PROMOTE THE CANDIDACIES OF OTHER MAP COUNTRIES.
CROATIA WOULD PLAY A POSITIVE ROLE AT THE EU SUMMIT IN
THESSALONIKI.
4. (C) THE AMBASSADOR OBSERVED THAT SINCE CROATIA HAD A
REPUTATION FOR WANTING TO GO ITS OWN WAY, GOC REPRESENTATIVES
MUST SAY EXPLICITLY AND OFTEN THAT CROATIA SUPPORTS REGIONAL
COOPERATION. A COMPETITIVE APPROACH DENIGRATING OTHER
ASPIRANTS AND INVITEES DOES NOT HELP CROATIA. THE AMBASSADOR
CONFIDENTIAL
PAGE 04 ZAGREB 00489 01 OF 03 061511Z
STRESSED THAT THE U.S. STRONGLY SUPPORTED CROATIA'S NATO
ASPIRATIONS AND WOULD CONTINUE TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE.
HOWEVER, CROATIA NEEDED TO DO MORE ON DEFENSE REFORMS, ICTY
COOPERATION, REFUGEE RETURNS, AND JUDICIAL REFORM. CROATIA
NEEDED TO PUT OUT A POSITIVE MESSAGE OF PROGRESS ON THESE
ISSUES AND NOT BE SEEN AS COMBATIVE OR "WHINING" IN RESPONSE
TO INTERNATIONAL CRITICISM.
ICC ) ARTICLE 98 AGREEMENT
--------------
5. (C) THE AMBASSADOR NOTED OUR UNDERSTANDING THAT CROATIA
WAS WAITING FOR AN EU MEMBER STATE MODEL ARTICLE 98 AGREEMENT
BEFORE MOVING AHEAD WITH NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE U.S.
SIMONOVIC CONFIRMED THIS BUT ALSO ASKED THAT THE U.S. NOT
PRESS TOO HARD FOR AN AGREEMENT, REFERRING TO THE SENSITIVITY
OF AN ARTICLE 98 AGREEMENT DUE TO PERCEIVED INEQUITIES IN THE
PUBLIC,S MIND BETWEEN U.S. OBJECTIVES AND CROATIA,S ICTY
OBLIGATIONS. HOWEVER, HE CONFIRMED THAT CROATIA WOULD BE
READY TO MOVE AHEAD ONCE THERE IS AN EU STATE MODEL
AGREEMENT. IN THAT REGARD, HE HOPED THE U.S. WOULD BE ABLE
TO MAKE TIMELY PROGRESS ON SUCH A MODEL AGREEMENT. THE
AMBASSADOR POINTED OUT TO THE DEPUTY MINISTER THE PROVISIONS
AND DEADLINE OF THE ASPA. WE COULD NOT PREDICT HOW IT WOULD
BE IMPLEMENTED BUT WAIVERS COULD NOT BE PRESUMED. CROATIA
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL PTQ8005
PAGE 01 ZAGREB 00489 02 OF 03 061511Z
ACTION EUR-00
INFO LOG-00 NP-00 AID-00 ACQ-00 CIAE-00 DINT-00 DODE-00
DOTE-00 PERC-00 SRPP-00 DS-00 EB-00 FAAE-00 FBIE-00
VC-00 TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 LAB-01 L-00 VCE-00
AC-01 NRRC-00 NSAE-00 NSCE-00 OIC-02 PA-00 PM-00
PRS-00 ACE-00 P-00 SP-00 IRM-00 SS-00 TRSE-00
T-00 USIE-00 EPAE-00 SSD-00 PMB-00 DSCC-00 PRM-00
DRL-01 G-00 SSR-00 NFAT-00 SAS-00 SWCI-00 /005W
-------------- 4028B8 061511Z /38
R 061459Z MAR 03
FM AMEMBASSY ZAGREB
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 9610
INFO EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 02 OF 03 ZAGREB 000489
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/03/2008
TAGS: PREL PINR PREF PINR PREF PINR PREF HR HRPREL NATO NATO
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR REVIEWS PRIORITY ISSUES WITH NEW DEPUTY
FOREIGN MINISTER
MIGHT NEED TO CONSIDER ITS OWN INTERESTS IN THE COMING
MONTHS.
ICTY ISSUES
--------------
6. (C) SIMONOVIC ADMITTED THAT THE GOC HAD HANDLED THE
CONFIDENTIAL
PAGE 02 ZAGREB 00489 02 OF 03 061511Z
BOBETKO CASE BADLY, AT LEAST INITIALLY. THE HAPHAZARDLY
LAUNCED LEGAL APPROACH HAD BEEN SUCCESSFUL, BUT LUCK (E.G.,
WITH THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT) HAD PLAYED TOO LARGE A ROLE.
BUT THAT CASE WAS NOW "MORE OR LESS" RESOLVED. IT WAS CLEAR
THAT CROATIA NEEDED A "SUCCESSFUL CASE" TO DEMONSTRATE ITS
FULL COMMITMENT TO ITS ICTY OBLIGATIONS. HE ADDED THAT
INDICTMENTS AND THE POTENTIAL TRANSFER OF CROATIAN OFFICERS
FOR COMMAND RESPONSIBILITY CHARGES DO NOT SIT WELL WITH THE
CROATIAN PUBLIC. HE HAD HEARD THAT THERE MAY BE UP TO FIVE
ADDITIONAL INDICTMENTS OF CROATIAN CITIZENS BEING STUDIED BY
THE ICTY.
7. (C) THE AMBASSADOR AGREED THAT THE BOBETKO CASE WAS NOW
BEHIND US, BUT WARNED THAT BECAUSE OF GOC SHORTCOMINGS IN THE
HANDLING OF THE BOBETKO INDICTMENT, THE INTERNATIONAL
COMMUNITY WOULD BE LOOKING VERY CLOSELY AT THE GOC,S
PERFORMANCE ON ANY NEW INDICTMENTS. THEY MUST BE HANDLED
QUICKLY AND QUIETLY TO ENSURE SUCCESSFUL COMPLIANCE. IN
ADDITION, THE U.S. AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE INTERNATIONAL
COMMUNITY ARE LOOKING FOR MORE ACTIVE AND VIGOROUS GOC
ACTIONS TO LOCATE AND CAPTURE ICTY INDICTEE GOTOVINA. WE
KNEW SPECIFICALLY OF THINGS THE GOC CLAIMED IT WAS DOING TO
FIND GOTOVINA THAT, IN FACT, IT WAS NOT DOING.
8. (C) THE AMBASSADOR ADVISED SIMONOVIC THAT THE U.S. WAS
PREPARING TO RE-LAUNCH ITS INITIATIVE TO ASSIST THE GOC WITH
LOCAL WAR CRIMES PROSECUTIONS. HE ANTICIPATED A U.S.
PROPOSAL SOON FOR A U.S. TEAM TO VISIT IN APRIL OR MAY.
SIMONOVIC WELCOMED THIS, REFERRING TO PROPOSED REFORMS IN THE
JUDICIAL SECTOR AND PLANS TO ESTABLISH FOUR REGIONAL COURTS
TO TRY WAR CRIMES CASES.
CONFIDENTIAL
PAGE 03 ZAGREB 00489 02 OF 03 061511Z
UNCHR SESSION
--------------
9 (C) THE AMBASSADOR REMINDED SIMONOVIC THAT THE LINE UP IN
THIS YEAR,S UNCHR SESSION WAS BAD, STARTING WITH LIBYA,S
INSTALLATION AS CHAIRMAN. THE U.S. WANTED TO WORK CLOSELY
WITH CROATIA TO PROMOTE A PRODUCTIVE SESSION. SIMONOVIC
FULLY AGREED WITH THE AMBASSADOR,S POINTS, NOTING CROATIA'S
BOARD PARTICIPATION THIS YEAR. HE LAMENTED EXCESSIVE
POLITIZATION IN THE FORUM.
SFRY -- SUCCESSION ASSETS
--------------
10. (C) THE AMBASSADOR RAISED THE U.S. INTENTION TO UNBLOCK
SFRY NBY ASSETS LOCATED IN THE U.S. HE NOTED THAT THE U.S.
WAS STILL SEEKING A HOLD HARMLESS STATEMENT FROM THE GOC AND
HOPED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD REVERSE ITS OPPOSITION. HE
WOULD RAISE THIS ISSUE WITH FM PICULA IN AN UPCOMING MEETING.
SIMONOVIC RESPONDED THAT CROATIA DID NOT WANT TO BE AN
OBSTACLE TO THE U.S. INITIATIVE AND URGED THAT BOTH SIDES
SEEK A SOLUTION SOONER RATHER THAN LATER. HE POINTED OUT
THAT A GOC DECISION TO ACCEDE TO THE U.S. REQUEST ON THIS
ISSUE ) LIKE A NUMBER OF OTHER DIFFICULT ISSUES BEFORE THE
GOC ) WOULD NOT SIT WELL WITH THE PUBLIC. WITH ELECTIONS
EXPECTED EITHER THIS FALL OR PERHAPS EARLY NEXT YEAR, THE GOC
WOULD WANT TO MAKE THE UNPLEASANT DECISIONS BEFORE THE
PRE-ELECTION WINDOW CLOSED IN ABOUT TWO MONTHS. THE
AMBASSADOR AGREED AND ADDED HIS HOPE THAT A GOC DECISION TO
FOREGO $50 MILLION PLUS FROM THE NBY DISTRIBUTION WOULD NOT
CONFIDENTIAL
PAGE 04 ZAGREB 00489 02 OF 03 061511Z
BE USED IN THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE COALITION.
REFUGEE RETURNS
--------------
11. (C) THE AMBASSADOR NOTED OUR CONCERNS REGARDING REFUGEE
RETURNS ARE ASSUMING STEADILY MORE PROMINENCE IN CROATIA'S
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS. SIMONOVIC SAID THAT CROATIA MUST BE
MUCH MORE PROACTIVE ON THIS ISSUE, ALTHOUGH THERE WERE REAL
PROBLEMS, ESPECIALLY WITH ADDRESSING THE TENANCY RIGHTS
ISSUE. ON THE TENANCY RIGHTS ISSUE, THE AMBASSADOR URGED
THAT THE GOC PRIORITIZE ITS ACTIONS AND PUT PRIMARY FOCUS ON
CASES WHERE ACTUAL REFORMS HINGE ON PROVIDING FARMER TENANTS
A HOUSING OPTION. UNFORTUNATELY, THE U.S. AND EU STATES HAD
NOT SEEN MUCH MOVEMENT ON THIS FROM THE GOC SIDE.
RECONSTRUCTION MINISTER CACIC HAD BEEN ENCOURAGING BUT VAGUE
ON AN ISSUE WHERE CONCRETE STEPS ARE HUGELY OVERDUE. PM
RACAN HAD BEEN DISAPPOINTING ON THIS ISSUE.
12. (C) SIMONOVIC AGREED THAT THE GOC NEEDS TO ACT BUT THAT
THE UPCOMING ELECTIONS WOULD LIMIT THE GOC'S MANEUVERING
ROOM. IN ANY EVENT, HE CLAIMED THAT CROATIAN PUBLIC OPINION
IS NOW MUCH MORE FAVORABLE TOWARD THE RETURN OF CROATIAN
SERBS. IN FACT, HE ASSERTED, THE GOC HAS DONE FAR MORE THAN
WAS THOUGHT POSSIBLE FIVE YEARS AGO.
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL PTQ8006
PAGE 01 ZAGREB 00489 03 OF 03 061511Z
ACTION EUR-00
INFO LOG-00 NP-00 AID-00 ACQ-00 CIAE-00 DINT-00 DODE-00
DOTE-00 PERC-00 SRPP-00 DS-00 EB-00 FAAE-00 FBIE-00
VC-00 TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 LAB-01 L-00 VCE-00
AC-01 NRRC-00 NSAE-00 NSCE-00 OIC-02 PA-00 PM-00
PRS-00 ACE-00 P-00 SP-00 IRM-00 SS-00 TRSE-00
T-00 USIE-00 EPAE-00 SSD-00 PMB-00 DSCC-00 PRM-00
DRL-01 G-00 SSR-00 NFAT-00 SAS-00 SWCI-00 /005W
-------------- 4028C2 061512Z /38
R 061459Z MAR 03
FM AMEMBASSY ZAGREB
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 9611
INFO EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 03 OF 03 ZAGREB 000489
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/03/2008
TAGS: PREL PINR PREF PINR PREF PINR PREF HR HRPREL NATO NATO
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR REVIEWS PRIORITY ISSUES WITH NEW DEPUTY
FOREIGN MINISTER
COMMENT
--------------
13. (C) SIMONOVIC IMPRESSED US AS A BUSINESSLIKE
PROFESSIONAL WITH WHOM WE CAN DO BUSINESS. PRIOR BILLINGS
FROM USUN OF A VERY LAWYERLIKE APPROACH WERE AMPLY BORNE OUT.
CONFIDENTIAL
PAGE 02 ZAGREB 00489 03 OF 03 061511Z
HE MAY WELL PROVE TO BE MORE EFFECTIVE IN FORCING THE LEADEN
MFA BUREAUCRACY TOWARD TIMELY ACTION AND REASONABLE POSITIONS
THAT RESPOND TO CONCERNS COMING FROM THE U.S. AND OTHERS IN
THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY.
14. (C) HOWEVER, WE ARE CONCIOUS THAT HIS BACKGROUND AND
PAST USG INTERACTIONS HAVE SUGGESTED A STRONG NATIONALIST
STREAK UNDER THE URBANE SURFACE. CERTAINLY, IN THE MEETING
SIMONOVIC PUT THE MOST FAVORABLE SPIN ON EACH RESPONSE,
HIGHLIGHTING CROATIA'S HANDICAPS AND "NEED FOR UNDERSTANDING"
WHILE SEEKING TO PORTRAY HIMSELF AS A SYMPATHETIC FRIEND TO
THE U.S. IN A SOMETIMES UNFRIENDLY COURT. HIS OBSERVATIONS
ABOUT THE VERY SHORT WINDOW AVAILABLE FOR THE GOC TO TAKE
UNPOPULAR DECISIONS RANG TRUE, ALTHOUGH THIS COALITION
GOVERNMENT, WHICH IS LED BY A PRIME MINISTER WHO SEEKS
CONSENSUS AT ALL COSTS, HAS SHOWN LITTLE INCLINATION TO TAKE
UNPOPULAR (EVEN IF NECESSARY) DECISIONS REGARDLESS OF THE
TIMING.
ROSSIN
CONFIDENTIAL
>
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/03/2008
TAGS: PREL PINR PREF PINR PREF PINR PREF HR HRPREL NATO NATO
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR REVIEWS PRIORITY ISSUES WITH NEW DEPUTY
FOREIGN MINISTER
CLASSIFIED BY: DCM PATRICK MOON FOR REASONS 1.5 (B) AND (D).
SUMMARY
--------------
1. (C) IN A MARCH 3 INTRODUCTORY CALL ON NEW DEPUTY FOREIGN
MINISTER SIMONOVIC, THE AMBASSADOR REVIEWED THE U.S. APPROACH
CONFIDENTIAL
PAGE 02 ZAGREB 00489 01 OF 03 061511Z
ON IRAQ, STEPS TOWARD CROATIA,S CANDIDACY FOR NATO
MEMBERSHIP, THE SFRY ASSETS SUCCESSION ISSUES, OUR REQUEST
FOR AN ARTICLE 98 AGREEMENT WITH CROATIA, ICTY COMPLIANCE,
REFUGEE RETURNS AND THE UPCOMING UNCHR SESSION. SIMONOVIC
CONFIRMED THAT CROATIA DOES NOT SEE A MAJOR ROLE FOR ITSELF
ON IRAQ, BUT STILL WANTED TO BE SUPPORTIVE. CROATIA WOULD
READILY PURSUE REGIONAL INITIATIVES (INCLUDING THE ADRIATIC
CHARTER) BUT DID NOT WANT TO ENDANGER CLOSE TIES TO WESTERN
EUROPEAN COUNTRIES. SIMONOVIC SAID CROATIA DID NOT WANT TO
BE AN OBSTACLE TO THE UNFREEZING OF SFRY ASSETS AND WANTED A
QUICK RESOLUTION TO THE PROBLEMS WITH THE AGREEMENT ON
SUCCESSION ISSUES. HE SAID THAT THE GOC MUST DO A BETTER JOB
ON ICTY AND REFUGEE RETURNS. ACCORDING TO THE NEW DEPUTY
FOREIGN MINISTER, CROATIA HAS A BRIEF WINDOW REMAINING FOR
TOUGH DECISIONS; THE UPCOMING ELECTION SEASON WOULD SOON
CLOSE THE DOOR ON UNPOPULAR ACTIONS BY THE GOC COALITION.
END SUMMARY.
IRAQ
--------------
2. (C) IN HIS INTRODUCTORY CALL ON NEWLY ARRIVED DEPUTY
FOREIGN MINISTER IVAN SIMONOVIC (UNTIL RECENTLY CROATIA,S UN
PERMREP) ON MARCH 3, AMBASSADOR ROSSIN ASKED FOR CROATIA'S
SUPPORT AT THE UN FOR U.S. OBJECTIVES ON IRAQ. SIMONOVIC
SAID HE DID NOT FORESEE A MAJOR ROLE FOR CROATIA AND
INDICATED HIS BELIEF THAT THE UNSC WOULD APPROVE A SECOND
RESOLUTION, WHICH WAS ALSO IMPORTANT FOR PRESERVING THE
RELEVANCE AND CREDIBILITY OF THE UN. HE SPECULATED THAT IT
WOULD TAKE A LONG TIME TO INSTALL TRUE DEMOCRACY IN IRAQ
GIVEN THE ETHNIC AND RELIGIOUS TENSIONS. THE AMBASSADOR
CONFIDENTIAL
PAGE 03 ZAGREB 00489 01 OF 03 061511Z
THANKED CROATIA FOR ITS RECENT DECISION TO PERMIT FLOW
THROUGH OF COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT CARRYING U.S. TROOPS TO THE
REGION. WHILE WE DID NOT NEED ADDITIONAL SUPPORT AT THIS
TIME, IT WAS POSSIBLE THE U.S. WOULD SEEK ADDITIONAL
COOPERATION IN THE FUTURE TO SUPPORT OUR MILITARY OPERATIONS.
THE U.S. SOUGHT A CLOSE DIALOGUE WITH THE GOC ON THE IRAQ
SITUATION.
NATO AND CROATIA
--------------
3. (C) THE AMBASSADOR NOTED PROGRESS ON THE ADRIATIC CHARTER
TEXT AND RECONFIRMED HIS ATTENDANCE AT THE MEETING OF THE
THREE FOREIGN MINISTERS IN DUBROVNIK ON MARCH 7. HE PRESSED
FOR A STRONG STATEMENT ON IRAQ IN THE PLANNED DUBROVNIK
DECLARATION. REFERRING TO THE CROATIAN LANGUAGE ON
INDIVIDUAL TRACKS INSERTED INTO THE DRAFT CHARTER, SIMONOVIC
ADMITTED THAT CROATIA HAD BEEN RELUCTANT TO PURSUE REGIONAL
COOPERATION FOR FEAR OF CUTTING INCREASINGLY CLOSE RELATIONS
WITH WESTERN EUROPEAN STATES. HOWEVER, HE ASSURED THE
AMBASSADOR, WITH UNSUAL ANIMATION, THAT CROATIA WAS FULLY
COMMITTED TO CLOSE COOPERATION WITH REGIONAL PARTNERS AND
WOULD SEEK TO PROMOTE THE CANDIDACIES OF OTHER MAP COUNTRIES.
CROATIA WOULD PLAY A POSITIVE ROLE AT THE EU SUMMIT IN
THESSALONIKI.
4. (C) THE AMBASSADOR OBSERVED THAT SINCE CROATIA HAD A
REPUTATION FOR WANTING TO GO ITS OWN WAY, GOC REPRESENTATIVES
MUST SAY EXPLICITLY AND OFTEN THAT CROATIA SUPPORTS REGIONAL
COOPERATION. A COMPETITIVE APPROACH DENIGRATING OTHER
ASPIRANTS AND INVITEES DOES NOT HELP CROATIA. THE AMBASSADOR
CONFIDENTIAL
PAGE 04 ZAGREB 00489 01 OF 03 061511Z
STRESSED THAT THE U.S. STRONGLY SUPPORTED CROATIA'S NATO
ASPIRATIONS AND WOULD CONTINUE TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE.
HOWEVER, CROATIA NEEDED TO DO MORE ON DEFENSE REFORMS, ICTY
COOPERATION, REFUGEE RETURNS, AND JUDICIAL REFORM. CROATIA
NEEDED TO PUT OUT A POSITIVE MESSAGE OF PROGRESS ON THESE
ISSUES AND NOT BE SEEN AS COMBATIVE OR "WHINING" IN RESPONSE
TO INTERNATIONAL CRITICISM.
ICC ) ARTICLE 98 AGREEMENT
--------------
5. (C) THE AMBASSADOR NOTED OUR UNDERSTANDING THAT CROATIA
WAS WAITING FOR AN EU MEMBER STATE MODEL ARTICLE 98 AGREEMENT
BEFORE MOVING AHEAD WITH NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE U.S.
SIMONOVIC CONFIRMED THIS BUT ALSO ASKED THAT THE U.S. NOT
PRESS TOO HARD FOR AN AGREEMENT, REFERRING TO THE SENSITIVITY
OF AN ARTICLE 98 AGREEMENT DUE TO PERCEIVED INEQUITIES IN THE
PUBLIC,S MIND BETWEEN U.S. OBJECTIVES AND CROATIA,S ICTY
OBLIGATIONS. HOWEVER, HE CONFIRMED THAT CROATIA WOULD BE
READY TO MOVE AHEAD ONCE THERE IS AN EU STATE MODEL
AGREEMENT. IN THAT REGARD, HE HOPED THE U.S. WOULD BE ABLE
TO MAKE TIMELY PROGRESS ON SUCH A MODEL AGREEMENT. THE
AMBASSADOR POINTED OUT TO THE DEPUTY MINISTER THE PROVISIONS
AND DEADLINE OF THE ASPA. WE COULD NOT PREDICT HOW IT WOULD
BE IMPLEMENTED BUT WAIVERS COULD NOT BE PRESUMED. CROATIA
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL PTQ8005
PAGE 01 ZAGREB 00489 02 OF 03 061511Z
ACTION EUR-00
INFO LOG-00 NP-00 AID-00 ACQ-00 CIAE-00 DINT-00 DODE-00
DOTE-00 PERC-00 SRPP-00 DS-00 EB-00 FAAE-00 FBIE-00
VC-00 TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 LAB-01 L-00 VCE-00
AC-01 NRRC-00 NSAE-00 NSCE-00 OIC-02 PA-00 PM-00
PRS-00 ACE-00 P-00 SP-00 IRM-00 SS-00 TRSE-00
T-00 USIE-00 EPAE-00 SSD-00 PMB-00 DSCC-00 PRM-00
DRL-01 G-00 SSR-00 NFAT-00 SAS-00 SWCI-00 /005W
-------------- 4028B8 061511Z /38
R 061459Z MAR 03
FM AMEMBASSY ZAGREB
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 9610
INFO EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 02 OF 03 ZAGREB 000489
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/03/2008
TAGS: PREL PINR PREF PINR PREF PINR PREF HR HRPREL NATO NATO
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR REVIEWS PRIORITY ISSUES WITH NEW DEPUTY
FOREIGN MINISTER
MIGHT NEED TO CONSIDER ITS OWN INTERESTS IN THE COMING
MONTHS.
ICTY ISSUES
--------------
6. (C) SIMONOVIC ADMITTED THAT THE GOC HAD HANDLED THE
CONFIDENTIAL
PAGE 02 ZAGREB 00489 02 OF 03 061511Z
BOBETKO CASE BADLY, AT LEAST INITIALLY. THE HAPHAZARDLY
LAUNCED LEGAL APPROACH HAD BEEN SUCCESSFUL, BUT LUCK (E.G.,
WITH THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT) HAD PLAYED TOO LARGE A ROLE.
BUT THAT CASE WAS NOW "MORE OR LESS" RESOLVED. IT WAS CLEAR
THAT CROATIA NEEDED A "SUCCESSFUL CASE" TO DEMONSTRATE ITS
FULL COMMITMENT TO ITS ICTY OBLIGATIONS. HE ADDED THAT
INDICTMENTS AND THE POTENTIAL TRANSFER OF CROATIAN OFFICERS
FOR COMMAND RESPONSIBILITY CHARGES DO NOT SIT WELL WITH THE
CROATIAN PUBLIC. HE HAD HEARD THAT THERE MAY BE UP TO FIVE
ADDITIONAL INDICTMENTS OF CROATIAN CITIZENS BEING STUDIED BY
THE ICTY.
7. (C) THE AMBASSADOR AGREED THAT THE BOBETKO CASE WAS NOW
BEHIND US, BUT WARNED THAT BECAUSE OF GOC SHORTCOMINGS IN THE
HANDLING OF THE BOBETKO INDICTMENT, THE INTERNATIONAL
COMMUNITY WOULD BE LOOKING VERY CLOSELY AT THE GOC,S
PERFORMANCE ON ANY NEW INDICTMENTS. THEY MUST BE HANDLED
QUICKLY AND QUIETLY TO ENSURE SUCCESSFUL COMPLIANCE. IN
ADDITION, THE U.S. AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE INTERNATIONAL
COMMUNITY ARE LOOKING FOR MORE ACTIVE AND VIGOROUS GOC
ACTIONS TO LOCATE AND CAPTURE ICTY INDICTEE GOTOVINA. WE
KNEW SPECIFICALLY OF THINGS THE GOC CLAIMED IT WAS DOING TO
FIND GOTOVINA THAT, IN FACT, IT WAS NOT DOING.
8. (C) THE AMBASSADOR ADVISED SIMONOVIC THAT THE U.S. WAS
PREPARING TO RE-LAUNCH ITS INITIATIVE TO ASSIST THE GOC WITH
LOCAL WAR CRIMES PROSECUTIONS. HE ANTICIPATED A U.S.
PROPOSAL SOON FOR A U.S. TEAM TO VISIT IN APRIL OR MAY.
SIMONOVIC WELCOMED THIS, REFERRING TO PROPOSED REFORMS IN THE
JUDICIAL SECTOR AND PLANS TO ESTABLISH FOUR REGIONAL COURTS
TO TRY WAR CRIMES CASES.
CONFIDENTIAL
PAGE 03 ZAGREB 00489 02 OF 03 061511Z
UNCHR SESSION
--------------
9 (C) THE AMBASSADOR REMINDED SIMONOVIC THAT THE LINE UP IN
THIS YEAR,S UNCHR SESSION WAS BAD, STARTING WITH LIBYA,S
INSTALLATION AS CHAIRMAN. THE U.S. WANTED TO WORK CLOSELY
WITH CROATIA TO PROMOTE A PRODUCTIVE SESSION. SIMONOVIC
FULLY AGREED WITH THE AMBASSADOR,S POINTS, NOTING CROATIA'S
BOARD PARTICIPATION THIS YEAR. HE LAMENTED EXCESSIVE
POLITIZATION IN THE FORUM.
SFRY -- SUCCESSION ASSETS
--------------
10. (C) THE AMBASSADOR RAISED THE U.S. INTENTION TO UNBLOCK
SFRY NBY ASSETS LOCATED IN THE U.S. HE NOTED THAT THE U.S.
WAS STILL SEEKING A HOLD HARMLESS STATEMENT FROM THE GOC AND
HOPED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD REVERSE ITS OPPOSITION. HE
WOULD RAISE THIS ISSUE WITH FM PICULA IN AN UPCOMING MEETING.
SIMONOVIC RESPONDED THAT CROATIA DID NOT WANT TO BE AN
OBSTACLE TO THE U.S. INITIATIVE AND URGED THAT BOTH SIDES
SEEK A SOLUTION SOONER RATHER THAN LATER. HE POINTED OUT
THAT A GOC DECISION TO ACCEDE TO THE U.S. REQUEST ON THIS
ISSUE ) LIKE A NUMBER OF OTHER DIFFICULT ISSUES BEFORE THE
GOC ) WOULD NOT SIT WELL WITH THE PUBLIC. WITH ELECTIONS
EXPECTED EITHER THIS FALL OR PERHAPS EARLY NEXT YEAR, THE GOC
WOULD WANT TO MAKE THE UNPLEASANT DECISIONS BEFORE THE
PRE-ELECTION WINDOW CLOSED IN ABOUT TWO MONTHS. THE
AMBASSADOR AGREED AND ADDED HIS HOPE THAT A GOC DECISION TO
FOREGO $50 MILLION PLUS FROM THE NBY DISTRIBUTION WOULD NOT
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BE USED IN THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE COALITION.
REFUGEE RETURNS
--------------
11. (C) THE AMBASSADOR NOTED OUR CONCERNS REGARDING REFUGEE
RETURNS ARE ASSUMING STEADILY MORE PROMINENCE IN CROATIA'S
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS. SIMONOVIC SAID THAT CROATIA MUST BE
MUCH MORE PROACTIVE ON THIS ISSUE, ALTHOUGH THERE WERE REAL
PROBLEMS, ESPECIALLY WITH ADDRESSING THE TENANCY RIGHTS
ISSUE. ON THE TENANCY RIGHTS ISSUE, THE AMBASSADOR URGED
THAT THE GOC PRIORITIZE ITS ACTIONS AND PUT PRIMARY FOCUS ON
CASES WHERE ACTUAL REFORMS HINGE ON PROVIDING FARMER TENANTS
A HOUSING OPTION. UNFORTUNATELY, THE U.S. AND EU STATES HAD
NOT SEEN MUCH MOVEMENT ON THIS FROM THE GOC SIDE.
RECONSTRUCTION MINISTER CACIC HAD BEEN ENCOURAGING BUT VAGUE
ON AN ISSUE WHERE CONCRETE STEPS ARE HUGELY OVERDUE. PM
RACAN HAD BEEN DISAPPOINTING ON THIS ISSUE.
12. (C) SIMONOVIC AGREED THAT THE GOC NEEDS TO ACT BUT THAT
THE UPCOMING ELECTIONS WOULD LIMIT THE GOC'S MANEUVERING
ROOM. IN ANY EVENT, HE CLAIMED THAT CROATIAN PUBLIC OPINION
IS NOW MUCH MORE FAVORABLE TOWARD THE RETURN OF CROATIAN
SERBS. IN FACT, HE ASSERTED, THE GOC HAS DONE FAR MORE THAN
WAS THOUGHT POSSIBLE FIVE YEARS AGO.
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CONFIDENTIAL PTQ8006
PAGE 01 ZAGREB 00489 03 OF 03 061511Z
ACTION EUR-00
INFO LOG-00 NP-00 AID-00 ACQ-00 CIAE-00 DINT-00 DODE-00
DOTE-00 PERC-00 SRPP-00 DS-00 EB-00 FAAE-00 FBIE-00
VC-00 TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 LAB-01 L-00 VCE-00
AC-01 NRRC-00 NSAE-00 NSCE-00 OIC-02 PA-00 PM-00
PRS-00 ACE-00 P-00 SP-00 IRM-00 SS-00 TRSE-00
T-00 USIE-00 EPAE-00 SSD-00 PMB-00 DSCC-00 PRM-00
DRL-01 G-00 SSR-00 NFAT-00 SAS-00 SWCI-00 /005W
-------------- 4028C2 061512Z /38
R 061459Z MAR 03
FM AMEMBASSY ZAGREB
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 9611
INFO EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 03 OF 03 ZAGREB 000489
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/03/2008
TAGS: PREL PINR PREF PINR PREF PINR PREF HR HRPREL NATO NATO
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR REVIEWS PRIORITY ISSUES WITH NEW DEPUTY
FOREIGN MINISTER
COMMENT
--------------
13. (C) SIMONOVIC IMPRESSED US AS A BUSINESSLIKE
PROFESSIONAL WITH WHOM WE CAN DO BUSINESS. PRIOR BILLINGS
FROM USUN OF A VERY LAWYERLIKE APPROACH WERE AMPLY BORNE OUT.
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PAGE 02 ZAGREB 00489 03 OF 03 061511Z
HE MAY WELL PROVE TO BE MORE EFFECTIVE IN FORCING THE LEADEN
MFA BUREAUCRACY TOWARD TIMELY ACTION AND REASONABLE POSITIONS
THAT RESPOND TO CONCERNS COMING FROM THE U.S. AND OTHERS IN
THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY.
14. (C) HOWEVER, WE ARE CONCIOUS THAT HIS BACKGROUND AND
PAST USG INTERACTIONS HAVE SUGGESTED A STRONG NATIONALIST
STREAK UNDER THE URBANE SURFACE. CERTAINLY, IN THE MEETING
SIMONOVIC PUT THE MOST FAVORABLE SPIN ON EACH RESPONSE,
HIGHLIGHTING CROATIA'S HANDICAPS AND "NEED FOR UNDERSTANDING"
WHILE SEEKING TO PORTRAY HIMSELF AS A SYMPATHETIC FRIEND TO
THE U.S. IN A SOMETIMES UNFRIENDLY COURT. HIS OBSERVATIONS
ABOUT THE VERY SHORT WINDOW AVAILABLE FOR THE GOC TO TAKE
UNPOPULAR DECISIONS RANG TRUE, ALTHOUGH THIS COALITION
GOVERNMENT, WHICH IS LED BY A PRIME MINISTER WHO SEEKS
CONSENSUS AT ALL COSTS, HAS SHOWN LITTLE INCLINATION TO TAKE
UNPOPULAR (EVEN IF NECESSARY) DECISIONS REGARDLESS OF THE
TIMING.
ROSSIN
CONFIDENTIAL
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