NEW FORWARD ON IRAQ: CROATIA'S CONTRIBUTION

C O N F I D E N T I A L ZAGREB 000422 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR PM/RSAT, EUR, EUR/SCE E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/30/2017 TAGS: MARR MASS MOPS PREL PTER IZ HR DEFENSE REFORM SUBJECT: NEW FORWARD ON IRAQ: CROATIA'S CONTRIBUTION REF: SECSTATE 54925. ZAGREB 359. 06 ZAGREB 1364 AND PREVIOUS Classified By: Political Officer Tom Selinger for reasons 1.4 (b) & (d) ¶1. (C) SUMMARY AND COMMENT: While politically unable to make direct troop contributions to operations in Iraq, the GoC has offered weapons and training courses to the NATO Training Mission in Iraq (NTM-I) (ref C),provides police trainers to the Jordan International Police Training Center (JIPTC) (ref B),and remains engaged in offering civilian assistance such as outreach to Iraqi parliamentarians and hospitalization of Iraqi children. We do not believe a change in policy regarding troop contributions is possible, particularly considering growing Croatian commitments in Afghanistan and upcoming parliamentary elections, but GoC contacts have informally expressed interest in making additional contributions to the NTM-I and JIPTC. The GOC established formal diplomatic relations with Iraq in August 2006 and remains interested in opening a permanent mission in Baghdad. Post will continue to press for increased civilian contributions to efforts in Iraq. END SUMMARY AND COMMENT. TRAINING AND WEAPONS - YES, TROOPS - STILL NO -------------- ¶2. (C) While the GoC has made relatively significant military contributions to operations in Afghanistan, with troop levels scheduled to reach 200 in 2007 and 300 in 2008, it has been politically unable to do the same in Iraq. Strong public opposition to the war in Iraq has driven this issue, and with parliamentary elections scheduled for November, we believe it is counterproductive at this time to again press the GoC to change this policy. ¶3. (C) The GoC made a significant offer to the NTM-I in November 2006, including 500 assault rifles, 100 grenade-launchers and other weapons, as well as nine different training courses in Croatia for up to 67 Iraqi Security Forces personnel. Courses range from military police and anti-terrorist operations to explosive detection and search and rescue activities for military dogs and handlers. Post does not have information regarding NTM-I's acceptance of this request, but Post is confident that the GoC would follow through on this offer and could be pressed for more. ¶4. (C) The GoC is preparing to extend police trainers at the JIPTC and has informally discussed sending correctional officers as additional trainers given the center's new focus. The GoC has extended their trainers each time we have asked and would consider expanding their contribution, but would be unlikely to contribute to a training center on Iraqi soil. GOC MAKES MOST OF CIVILIAN CONTRIBUTIONS -------------- ¶5. (C) The GoC has been extremely willing to support civilian initiatives related to Iraq, providing hospitalization to Iraqi children and hosting Iraqi parliamentarians in collaboration with the National Democratic Institute (septel). The GoC has also offered its forensics expertise to the Iraqi government. As the GoC moves forward with plans to open an embassy in Baghdad (security costs have stalled this effort for the moment),it will be increasingly well positioned to engage in the civilian sector. BRADTKE