BOSNIA DEMINING: PROSECUTOR REQUESTS QSI REPORT

UNCLAS SARAJEVO 000804 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR EUR (DICARLO),D (SMITH),P (BAME),EUR/SCE (HOH, SAINZ, FOOKS),EUR/ACE, EUR/NCE,EUR/RPM (BROTZEN),F, L/LEI, OIG, AND PM, USNIC FOR WIGHTMAN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KCRM MASS PREL MOPS PGOV BK SI SUBJECT: BOSNIA DEMINING: PROSECUTOR REQUESTS QSI REPORT REF: A. SARAJEVO 369 ¶B. SARAJEVO 230 ¶C. STATE 495 ¶D. 3/22/07 MCCLOY-FLEMING EMAIL ¶1. (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraph 6. ¶2. (SBU) Summary. After briefings from the Quality Solutions International (QSI) team on their recent assessment of demining operations in Bosnia, post believes the report highlights the importance of changing our demining operating procedures in Bosnia. In the wake of the assessment we met, on April 10, with the prosecutor investigating allegations of criminal wrongdoing surrounding USG-funded demining programs. The prosecutor briefed us on the role of the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) in the investigation, and formally requested a copy of the QSI report to assist his investigation. Post fully supports this request. End summary. ¶3. (SBU) After briefings by the QSI team on its recent assessment of demining operations in Bosnia, post believes the report highlights the importance of changing current USG demining operating procedures in Bosnia. Post fully supports the QSI recommendation that both the Bosnia and Herzegovina Mine Action Center (BHMAC) and the International Trust Fund (ITF) be pushed to tighten oversight procedures to prevent the accreditation of questionable organizations, and that adequate follow-up surveys be completed. QSI plans a follow-up assessment next year and post would welcome the institution of continuing yearly inspections to provide further integrity to the process. ¶4. (SBU) Although the QSI report on the capabilities of demining organizations in Bosnia goes a long way in establishing viable USG partners in this process, we are also mindful that the assessment was limited in scope. The QSI assessment sought to only make judgments on the capabilities of demining organizations to complete contracted work. The assessment team did not have the mandate or capacity to investigate allegations of malfeasance that have been brought to our attention. The state prosecutor's criminal investigation remains key to this component of the process, and we will continue to urge the authorities to undertake a full, transparent and fair investigation to ensure the integrity of the demining programs. ¶5. (SBU) On April 10, we met with Drew Engel, the new senior prosecutor heading the investigation into alleged criminal activity within humanitarian demining programs. Engel, an American secondee working in the State Prosecutor's Office, told us that the investigation is in its initial stages but that he expected to see progress in the near term. Engel presented us with a detailed work plan for SIPA's role in the investigation, which entails verification of the competencies of demining organizations, inspection of the BHMAC accreditation process, forensic financial analysis of demining organizations' tax files and bank transactions, and verification of prior demining work. Per ref D we briefed Engel on the general findings of the QSI survey. In support of his investigation, Engel asked to review a copy of the QSI assessment, and any subsequent results from USG audits or investigations. Engel said the information in the QSI report would provide substantial assistance to his investigation by preventing the duplication of efforts at a Prosecutor's office that is already strapped for resources. ¶6. (SBU) Action request: Post strongly supports Engel's request and seeks Department approval to release the QSI report in its entirety to the State Prosecutor. End action request. MCELHANEY