ZAGREB WEEKLY ACTIVITY REPORT - DECEMBER 19, 2007

UNCLAS ZAGREB 001089 SIPDIS SIPDIS FOR EUR/SCE, EUR/PPD, EUR/RPM AND EUR/ERA OSD FOR WINTERNITZ E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV HR SUBJECT: ZAGREB WEEKLY ACTIVITY REPORT - DECEMBER 19, 2007 ¶1. (U) RETURN TO SENDER - CROATIA PROTESTS ITALIAN STAMP: On 12 December 2007 the Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration sent a letter of protest to the Italian Republic over the issuance of a postage stamp. The stamp, issued by the Italian Post Office, depicts the Croatian city of Rijeka with the caption "Rijeka - Eastern Land That Was Italian" (Fiume - terra orientale gia' italiana). This is the second demarche issued by the Ministry. The first was sent in October 2007 when the GOC initially learned about the intention to publish the stamp. According to the Croatian Foreign Ministry's website, it was understood at that time the relevant Italian bodies would give up on the public presentation and publishing of the stamp. FM Kitarovic told the Ambassador the Croatian government was "outraged" by the stamp, and asked rhetorically what the European reaction would be if Croatia issued a stamp alluding to territorial claims in neighboring countries. The GoC believes the Italians are not only issuing the Rijeka stamp, but also are considering similar stamps featuring another Croatian coastal town, and the Slovenian port of Koper. Croatia has called on the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to inform once again all parties about Croatia's position and take appropriate measures to prevent further distribution of the stamp. (CRhoton) ¶2. (U) US COAST GUARD TEAM OBSERVES PORT SECURITY IMPROVEMENTS: Officials from the US Coast Guard's International Port Security Program visited Croatia December 10-15 to observe port security measures at the Ploce, Dubrovnik, and Rijeka ports. The team determined that Croatia has substantially implemented the International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code. Throughout the visit the team observed progress toward achieving the many plans for security improvement noted in the 2006 US Coast Guard Maritime Needs Assessment. They also observed good cooperation and coordination among various agencies in the ports, including maritime police, customs, and port authorities. The team's suggestions for further improvements included improved signage on the waterside of facilities to mark restricted areas, better maintenance of perimeter fencing, and providing security plan awareness training to port workers without security duties. (SLitke) BRADTKE