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 -------------- ¶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 -------------- ¶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 (U) Post believes the proposal is vague and outdated.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