Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06BELGRADE1824
2006-11-07 16:34:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Belgrade
Cable title:
BELGRADE - REQUEST FOR IMET FUNDING
how-toVZCZCXYZ0004 PP RUEHWEB DE RUEHBW #1824 3111634 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 071634Z NOV 06 FM AMEMBASSY BELGRADE TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 9702 INFO RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE
UNCLAS BELGRADE 001824
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: MASS MARR PREL SR
SUBJECT: BELGRADE - REQUEST FOR IMET FUNDING
THIS IS AN ACTION REQUEST, SEE PARA
UNCLAS BELGRADE 001824
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: MASS MARR PREL SR
SUBJECT: BELGRADE - REQUEST FOR IMET FUNDING
THIS IS AN ACTION REQUEST, SEE PARA 1.
1. (SBU) In the wake of the President's decision to waive ASPA
conditionality from IMET eligibility for a number of countries,
including Serbia, Embassy requests IMET funding in the amount of
$500,000 for the current fiscal year. Such funding would support
resident courses, Distinguished Orientation Visits (DIVOT),Mobile
Education Teams (METs),and English language training materials.
2. (SBU) IMET funding for Serbia would be an important additional
element in our bilateral security cooperation strategy. Explicit and
tangible U.S. assistance of this type to a key symbol for Serbia,
its military, would bolster beleaguered reformists inside and
outside the military.
3. (SBU) On a technical level, IMET programs would fill a critical
need in the Serbian armed forces. In order to prepare for eventual
PfP membership, regional cooperation, and (ultimately)
interoperability with NATO allied forces in peacekeeping and other
missions, Serbia will have to overcome a staggering deficit of
English-speaking officers and enlisted personnel. The sooner IMET
programs start, the faster that gap can close.
4. (SBU) IMET will also bring ancillary benefits of exposing more
Serbian military to western military practice and policy, and help
Serbian mid-rank officers develop contacts with western military
counterparts, which will in turn assist in the battle for "hearts
and minds" of Serbian military personnel.
5. (SBU) We understand ongoing Mladic conditionality could impact
moving forward with IMET. Given the benefits to military reform
noted above, we believe an exception to Mladic conditionality for
this program would be warranted and beneficial. We appreciate
Washington's expeditious guidance.
POLT
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: MASS MARR PREL SR
SUBJECT: BELGRADE - REQUEST FOR IMET FUNDING
THIS IS AN ACTION REQUEST, SEE PARA 1.
1. (SBU) In the wake of the President's decision to waive ASPA
conditionality from IMET eligibility for a number of countries,
including Serbia, Embassy requests IMET funding in the amount of
$500,000 for the current fiscal year. Such funding would support
resident courses, Distinguished Orientation Visits (DIVOT),Mobile
Education Teams (METs),and English language training materials.
2. (SBU) IMET funding for Serbia would be an important additional
element in our bilateral security cooperation strategy. Explicit and
tangible U.S. assistance of this type to a key symbol for Serbia,
its military, would bolster beleaguered reformists inside and
outside the military.
3. (SBU) On a technical level, IMET programs would fill a critical
need in the Serbian armed forces. In order to prepare for eventual
PfP membership, regional cooperation, and (ultimately)
interoperability with NATO allied forces in peacekeeping and other
missions, Serbia will have to overcome a staggering deficit of
English-speaking officers and enlisted personnel. The sooner IMET
programs start, the faster that gap can close.
4. (SBU) IMET will also bring ancillary benefits of exposing more
Serbian military to western military practice and policy, and help
Serbian mid-rank officers develop contacts with western military
counterparts, which will in turn assist in the battle for "hearts
and minds" of Serbian military personnel.
5. (SBU) We understand ongoing Mladic conditionality could impact
moving forward with IMET. Given the benefits to military reform
noted above, we believe an exception to Mladic conditionality for
this program would be warranted and beneficial. We appreciate
Washington's expeditious guidance.
POLT