Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06SARAJEVO3102
2006-12-07 16:28:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Sarajevo
Cable title:  

REQUEST FOR GUIDANCE ON DEMINING ISSUES

Tags:  KCRM MASS PREL MOPS PGOV BK SI 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0020
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHVJ #3102 3411628
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
P 071628Z DEC 06
FM AMEMBASSY SARAJEVO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 5008
INFO RUEHLJ/AMEMBASSY LJUBLJANA PRIORITY 0058
C O N F I D E N T I A L SARAJEVO 003102 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR EUR (DICARLO),EUR/ACE, EUR/NCE, EUR/SCE (HOH,
SAINZ, FOOKS),D (SMITH),P (BAME),F, L/LEI, OIG, AND PM

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/01/2016
TAGS: KCRM MASS PREL MOPS PGOV BK SI
SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR GUIDANCE ON DEMINING ISSUES

REF: SARAJEVO 2907

Classified By: CDA JUDITH CEFKIN FOR REASONS 1.4 (b) and (d)

C O N F I D E N T I A L SARAJEVO 003102

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR EUR (DICARLO),EUR/ACE, EUR/NCE, EUR/SCE (HOH,
SAINZ, FOOKS),D (SMITH),P (BAME),F, L/LEI, OIG, AND PM

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/01/2016
TAGS: KCRM MASS PREL MOPS PGOV BK SI
SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR GUIDANCE ON DEMINING ISSUES

REF: SARAJEVO 2907

Classified By: CDA JUDITH CEFKIN FOR REASONS 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraph 7.

--------------
SIPA INVESTIGATION
--------------


2. (C) Due to widespread allegations of irregular practices
and possible misuse of USG demining assistance, post seeks
Department concurrance with a proposal to request that the
Bosnian State Protection and Investigation Agency (SIPA) open
an investigation of demining programs in Bosnia. As the
premier state-level law enforcement agency, SIPA has the
jurisdiction and capabilities to investigate ongoing
allegations of fraud and malfeasance and pursue appropriate
legal action. SIPA has the necessary authority to gather
documentation, compel testimony, and conduct inspections of
programs throughout the country. Financial crimes, organized
crime, and money laundering fall within the SIPA mandate.


3. (C) Post continues to support any proposals to audit ITF
programs, as appropriate. However, an ITF audit or
Government of Slovenia investigation would lack the necessary
jurisdiction to conduct a comprehensive investigation of
events or individuals in Bosnia. Concerns over demining are
not limited to ITF activities, but include actions of the
Bosnia and Herzegovina Mine Action Center (BHMAC) and local
demining companies. SIPA is the only organization with the
appropriate authority and capabilities to conduct the
investigation necessary to evaluate claims of malfeasance and
any abuse of USG funds.


4. (C) Post is mindful that demining in Bosnia remains
crucial to the long-term stability and economic health of the
country and recognizes the potential for a broader criminal
investigation, beyond the pending Kojic case, to slow the
pace of demining work in Bosnia in the near term.
Nonetheless, the seriousness of the current allegations
undermine the integrity and viability of demining programs
here in Bosnia, and until they are resolved, post cannot
ensure that USG support is effective and accountable. To
that end, corrective action, if required, cannot be taken
without an investigation by law enforcement authorities of
current demining practices.

--------------
MISSION INTERACTIONS WITH ITF
--------------


5. (C) Post also requests formal department guidance on
continued engagement with ITF in Bosnia. ITF Sarajevo is
proceeding with the tender process and seeks to schedule an
evaluation commission meeting for several proposed
U.S.-funded demining projects. To date, post has declined to
participate in the meeting pending ITF compliance with our
request to release documentation on eligible demining
companies. In keeping with the oversight responsibilities
inherent in post's role on the commission, we have requested
the registration, financial, employment and equipment
information for each eligible company in order to verify
their bona fides.


6. (C) However, even if ITF were to comply with our request,
post believes that given the nature and scope of allegations
surrounding the demining process here our continued
participation in the work of the commission merits serious
review. Absent confirmation of accountability that can only
be provided by an audit or investigation, our continued
participation in the commission carries a risk of providing
USG endorsement to programs that may be engaged in the misuse
of USG demining funds.

--------------
ACTION REQUEST
--------------


7. (C) Post requests Department concurrance with our proposal
to seek a SIPA investigation of demining concerns in Bosnia
in order to fully evaluate allegations of fraud and
malfeasance involving USG donor funds. Post also seeks
formal department guidance on whether to continue to
participate in the ITF tender process.
CEFKIN