CZECHS REPORT RUSSIAN PROTEST OVER DONATION TO

C O N F I D E N T I A L PRAGUE 001004

SIPDIS

EUCOM FOR ECJ4/ECJ5

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/01/2015
TAGS: MASS MOPS PREL EZ GG RU
SUBJECT: CZECHS REPORT RUSSIAN PROTEST OVER DONATION TO
GEORGIAN SECURITY AND STABILITY OPERATION


Classified By: Acting DCM Michael Dodman for reasons 1.4 b+d.


1. (U) Action request: see para 4.


2. (C) Czech MOD Director of Security Policy Borkovec told
DATT on July 1 that the Russians had formally protested the
planned Czech donation of small arms and grenades to the
EUCOM-led Georgia Security and Stability Operations. The
Russian MOD on June 30 called in the Czech DATT with the
complaint that (a) the planned donation is being made to an
area of instability, and (b) the ammunition is of Soviet
origin and the Czechs do not have the right to export it to a
third party.


3. (C) Czech MOD and MFA officials dismissed the second as
"ridiculous" stating that nearly all of the ammunition is of
Czech origin. However, they seek USG guidance about how to
respond to the Russians.


4. (C) Action request: The GOCR is aware that this donation
is time-sensitive. Request guidance from Washington agencies
to respond to the Czechs' query, including keeping us
informed on any direct USG response to the GOR. Be advised
that Czech government offices will be closed for national
holidays July 5-6.
CABANISS