Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07ZAGREB422
2007-04-30 11:18:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Zagreb
Cable title:  

NEW FORWARD ON IRAQ: CROATIA'S CONTRIBUTION

Tags:  MARR MASS MOPS PREL PTER IZ HR DEFENSE REFORM 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0009
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHVB #0422 1201118
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
R 301118Z APR 07
FM AMEMBASSY ZAGREB
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 7614
INFO RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC
RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHDC
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)

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