OSCE: PROJECT PROPOSALS FOR MONTENEGRO

UNCLAS PODGORICA 000102

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

USOSCE/ORM (JEFF VANDREAL) EUR/RPM (RICHARD PROSEN)

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ABUD AFIN EAID KCRM PGOV MW
SUBJECT: OSCE: PROJECT PROPOSALS FOR MONTENEGRO

REF: STATE 41062


1. (U) Summary: The two projects proposed by OSCE/Montenegro for
extra-budgetary funding in FY2007 are duplicative of projects
funded by the USG, and by the Government of Austria. Post does
not recommend USG funding of either proposal as submitted. End
summary.



Strengthening the Capacity of the Assembly

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2. (U) Solicitation of funding for this proposal has already
been successful. On April 6, the Government of Austria agreed to
fund the project, for Euros 620,000, as stated in the proposal.



Forensic Laboratory Phase III

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3. (U) Post believes the proposal is vague and outdated. The USG
has contributed several hundred thousand dollars worth of new
forensic equipment and training over the past two years; much of
the USG program is an exact match to that in the OSCE proposal.




4. (U) Montenegro still has shortfalls in two forensic equipment
areas, however. If proposed by OSCE as projects, both should get
favorable USG consideration for funding.



-- A Photo Laboratory, where Montenegro still uses a commercial
printer to develop and print all their crime related photos,
raising chain-of-evidence' issues. Project costs should range
from US$300,000 to US$400,000. And;



-- A DNA Laboratory, where Montenegro still uses facilities in
Belgrade, but reportedly receives very low priority. Project
costs are about US$500,000; a "validation study" (certification
process) would have to be completed before the proposal is
submitted; such studies take between six and twelve months to
complete.



Costs for both proposals do NOT include building and staff
costs, which the GoM should cover.

BARNES