MACEDONIA: REQUEST FOR USG ASSISTANCE FOR MANPADS

UNCLAS SKOPJE 000032 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR PM/WRA (MARK ADAMS) AND EUR/SCE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PARM PREL MARR MK SUBJECT: MACEDONIA: REQUEST FOR USG ASSISTANCE FOR MANPADS DESTRUCTION PROJECT REF: 06 SKOPJE 885 ¶1. (SBU) Embassy Skopje requests USG assistance for MANPADS destruction in Macedonia, as first described in reftel. The request is for a USG training team to visit Macedonia for 8 (eight) days, including travel time to/from Macedonia, to train and assist Macedonian authorities in destroying 156 MANPADS (SA-7 STRELAS) and 54 gripstocks. The estimated in-country cost is approximately USD 9,000.00. Not included in the estimate are the costs of required high explosives for the project, or travel and subsistence costs for U.S. training and assistance personnel. ¶2. (SBU) Cost estimate, prepared by the Macedonian MOD's G-3 Staff, follows for a 6-day in-country program (detailed cost breakdown emailed to PM/WRA Mark Adams, and EUR/SCE Paul Pfeuffer): --Macedonian personnel costs (per diem),including EOD team, EOD mechanic, drivers, medical assistance team, traffic security personnel, physical security personnel, and others: USD 5,500.00 --Transportation costs (fuel): USD 1,200.00 --Macedonian personnel billeting and dining costs, including water and other expenses: $1,800.00 Total cost: USD 8,500.00 ¶3. (SBU) According to the G-3 work estimate, activities that would be conducted during the destruction of the SA-7s would include: --Day one: preparations for loading and transportation to Krivolak of materials to be destroyed. --Day two: Digging four holes for destruction of the SA-7s, and preparations for destruction. --Day three-six: Transportation of items to the destruction site and their subsequent destruction. --Day six: Terrain inspection, filling in the destruction pits, completion of certification paperwork, and return of personnel and equipment to their home units. ¶4. (U) Post appreciates PM/WRA's cooperation and support for this important project. MILOVANOVIC