CROATIAN MINISTERS SUPPORT A-3 PROCESS IN TALLINN, OFFER TO

UNCLAS ZAGREB 000137 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL MARR NATO HR REGIONAL ISSUES SUBJECT: CROATIAN MINISTERS SUPPORT A-3 PROCESS IN TALLINN, OFFER TO HELP NEW PFP MEMBERS SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED, PLEASE HANDLE ACCORDINGLY ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY AND COMMENT: At the February 5-6 ministerial meeting in Tallinn of the U.S.-Adriatic Charter members and observers with the three new Baltic NATO members, Croatian Foreign Minister Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic and Defense Minister Berislav Roncevic expressed the GOC's strong determination to expand its ISAF contribution and continue with defense reforms, and offered assistance to new Partnership for Peace countries (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia),noting that the addition of these countries to the PFP program contributes to regional stabilization and security. The meeting was widely reported in the Croatian press. MOD Assistant Minister for International Affairs Igor Pokaz told DCM February 7 that the meeting also offered excellent networking opportunities. The presence of both ministers demonstrates the GOC's continuing high-level commitment to the Adriatic Charter process. END SUMMARY AND COMMENT ¶2. (U) A February 6 statement issued by the MFA described the Tallinn meeting of foreign and defense ministers of Croatia, Albania, Macedonia, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania as the continuation of the process which began during Croatia's presidency of the US-Adriatic Charter, designed to allow countries preparing for NATO membership to strengthen cooperation and exchange experiences. The meeting focused on NATO enlargement in the run-up to the 2008 summit, and strengthening of partnership and regional cooperation. Grabar-Kitarovic described NATO membership as crucial for providing security and stability as well as for reinforcing democracy and progress in Southeast Europe. She noted that Croatia was ready to help new Partnership for Peace countries, thus continuing to strengthen regional cooperation. Grabar-Kitarovic stressed that Croatia's ISAF contribution was a long-term GOC priority, and stated that the Croatian parliament had approved raising the number of Croatian troops in Afghanistan to 200 in 2007 and to 300 in 2008. She mentioned the possibility of Croatia taking over one Provincial Reconstruction Team as part of the ISAF mission, and described the other ways Croatia is helping in the establishment and development of social institutions in Afghanistan. ¶3. (U) A Defense Ministry statement noted that defense ministers discussed the tasks and challenges of defense transformation. Minister Roncevic said Croatia was determined and ready to continue with reforms and that, like NATO countries, it saw terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and international organized crime as the main threats to its national security. He emphasized that Croatia is building modern, deployable armed forces that will be capable of acting together with allies and partners. Roncevic also welcomed NATO's decision to accept Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro into the Partnership for Peace program as a contribution to the stabilization and security of the region, and is ready to cooperate through talks, exchange of experience, and direct and practical support to the countries in the region. ¶4. (SBU) While no new A3 initiatives were announced, the Defense Ministers highlighted the 38 planned events for 2007 and pledged continued support for the combined medical team deployed to ISAF. The Croatian delegation met separately with the Lithuanians to discuss their support for the PRT in Chagcharan. BRADTKE