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