USS RAMAGE VISIT EMPHASIZES U.S.-BOSNIAN MILITARY

C O N F I D E N T I A L SARAJEVO 002650 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR EUR (DICARLO),D (SMITH),P (BAME),EUR/SCE (HOH, SAINZ, FOOKS),EUR/PPD (CORN) AND EUR/RPM (BROTZEN),NSC FOR BRAUN, USNIC FOR WRIGHTMAN, OSD FOR MARK JONES, USNATO FOR SHAFFER E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/20/2016 TAGS: MARR MASS PREL BK SUBJECT: USS RAMAGE VISIT EMPHASIZES U.S.-BOSNIAN MILITARY PARTNERSHIP, CONTINUED U.S. PRESENCE IN REGION Classified By: Amb. Douglas McElhaney for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (SBU) The USS RAMAGE, a guided-missile destroyer attached the 6th Fleet, visited the Bosnian port of Neum October 17-21. The Embassy and ship hosted a reception for senior Bosnian political and military on board the USS Ramage on October 18, which was attended by all three members of Bosnia's Tri-Presidency, Defense Minister Radovanovic, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Lt. Gen. Podzic, the defense attache corps, and other distinguished guests. In brief remarks on board the ship, the Ambassador and Presidency Chairman Tihic focused on the importance of continuing the strong U.S.- Bosnian military partnership and the retention of U.S. military capabilities in the region. ¶2. (SBU) The Bosnian press, both electronic and print, gave prominent and positive coverage to the RAMAGE visit. The major newspaper dailies carried headlines such as "US Continues to be an Active Player in BiH," "Unbreakable Ties Between the BiH and US," and "A Sign of Friendship and Proof of Sovereignty." The visuals of the Bosnian political and military elite on board the ship also were a powerful image of the cooperation between the United States and Bosnia. ¶3. (SBU) Comment. The visit of the USS RAMAGE was a boon to our efforts in promoting the message that despite the drawdown in U.S. forces in Bosnia, we will continue to be an active player in the region. The ship was a concrete image of the "over the horizon" capability that the United States could bring to bear, and should serve to assuage some anxieties among the Bosnian public. However, we have not entirely convinced both the political elite and public that the United States is not "abandoning" Bosnia, and that local forces can provide for a safe and secure environment. President Tihic himself dedicated a portion of his remarks on board the Ramage to an open plea for a continued U.S. military presence in Bosnia. It is within this context that continued U.S. military displays, including further visits and joint training exercises, would be useful. End comment. ¶4. (U) Our thanks go to the 6th Fleet for arranging for this visit. We are particularly grateful to Commander Dick and the crew of the USS RAMAGE whose preparation, professionalism and patriotism reflected the values of the U.S. Navy and successfully demonstrated the strength of our bi-lateral relationship. MCELHANEY