Successful Step in Improving Military Cooperation

UNCLAS BELGRADE 001117

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL MARR MASS SR
SUBJECT: Successful Step in Improving Military Cooperation



1. (U) Summary: The visit of two USAF F-16s on June 22
and 23 marked a new high point in the military relationship
between the US and Serbia. The extensive and
overwhelmingly positive media coverage made the operation a
success and demonstrates the effect that military
cooperation can have on changing attitudes and perceptions
for the better. End Summary.


2. (U) The three-day JCTP event began on June 21 with the
arrival of American maintenance, fuels, and security
personnel to Batajnica Airfield to ensure the suitability
of the location for the visiting aircraft and to provide
hands-on demonstrations in their areas of expertise to
their Serbian counterparts. The F-16s left Aviano Air Base
the following morning, and were met with two Serbian MiG 21
aircraft at the border, as previously arranged, to be
escorted to Batajnica. Numerous media outlets covered the
landings. An official viewing followed on June 23 with
guests including the US Ambassador and Serbian Minister of
Defense, which saw strong media presence.


3. (U) The main purpose of this event was to publicize the
ongoing cooperation of the two militaries and present both
the American and the Serbian forces in a positive light.
The overwhelmingly favorable media images resulting from
the event made it a success. The positive media response
is particularly noteworthy considering the recent history
of F-16s being involved in offensive operations in Serbia
(and the fact that one of the pilots had taken part in the
1999 NATO operations over Serbia). Negative press coverage
was mainly limited to remarks from radical politicians and
one daily (Glas Javnosti),who referenced the incident of
the young girl killed by an F-16 offensive during the NATO
operations of 1999. However, the prevalence of positive
reporting outweighed the negative, and has hopefully done
much to improve the image of the US military in Serbia.
Due to memories of the NATO campaign of 1999, positive
images of the US military in particular can play a key role
in changing attitudes towards America.


4. (U) Comment: Against the backdrop of the 1999 NATO
campaign, military relations with the US are still somewhat
touchy -- President Tadic reneged on an earlier agreement
to take part in the public event, for instance.
Nevertheless, the suprisingly positive media response
highlights the especially good relations with the Serbian
Air Force, with which we have the most constructive
relations among the Serbian military (including high levels
of willingness to share information). We are hopeful that
this visit and similar events will compel other military
branches to be equally cooperative. End comment.

POLT