CDA MEETS NEW AMBASSADOR FROM CROATIA

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 002851 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/06/2016 TAGS: PREL MOPS IZ CR SUBJECT: CDA MEETS NEW AMBASSADOR FROM CROATIA Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Daniel Speckhard for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) On August 2, Ambassador Jerko Vukas told Charge d'Affaires Daniel Speckhard that he is honored to be Croatia's first Ambassador to Iraq. His day started with presentation of his credentials to President Talabani followed by separate meetings with Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari and Defense Minister Abdul Qadir. Croatia's Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Pjer Simunovic stated that Croatia believes in the future of Iraq and wants to help build democracy by participating in capacity building and reconstruction. He pointed out that Croatia already provides three experts to the Police Academy in Jordan responsible for training Iraqi policemen. Simunovic said that GOC is able and ready to offer Iraq: - expertise in forensic analysis - specialized medical treatment for Iraqi children - expertise in energy sector management - expertise in oil sector infrastructure and management - sniper training - sniffer dog training - combat readiness training - military police training located in Croatia - arms and munitions ¶2. (C) Simunovic added that Defense Minister Abdul Qadir offered to provide him with a "grocery list" of MOD needs and requested that anything Croatia is willing to donate be coordinated with NATO. (Note: Minister Simunovic is the National Coordinator for NATO. End Note). Croatia's Head of Section for Peace Support Operations Marta Nakic-Vojnovic inquired about the discontinuation of the military police training program in Jordan slated for December 2006. Simunovic urged Charge to keep the training program operational. Simunovic believes that there is a need for trainees to continue to upgrade their skills in order to guarantee strong solid leadership. ¶3. (C) Charge expressed his appreciation for Croatia's commitment to reconstruction and development in Iraq. Croatia's offer of assistance, Charge continued, reflects what the international community envisioned by the UN International Compact for Iraq. IRMO Deputy Director Max Primorac added that Croatia has a unique opportunity to provide guidance for Iraq based on its own successful transition in the midst of internal conflict. Its recent experiences in reintegrating excess military personnel into civilian life and expertise in infrastructure planning, for example, could provide a working blueprint for Iraq's own reconstruction efforts. ¶4. (C) The delegation sought the Embassy's advice and assistance in establishing its mission. Simunovic said the delegation is weighing the options of moving into the Donor Village, finding IZ accommodations, or taking Foreign Minister Zebari's offer to stay at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs compound. Charge agreed that the Donor Village would be an opportunity to open a small mission without having to invest in a large security force, but noted that Croatia would need to be providing a credible assistance program to fit with the spirit and intent of the village. On their next visit, Charge offered to set up meetings with RSO, property management committee and others to assist in establishing an in-country presence. KHALILZAD