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