EXBS: CROATIA/SLOVAKIA/SLOVENIA ADVISOR MONTHLY REPORTING

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ZAGREB 000459 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR NP/ECC PVANSON, ACHURCH AND JMCCLELLAN; DEPT FOR EUR/ACE DMARTIN; CBP/INA FOR PWARKER; USDOE/NNSA FOR TPERRY; DOC FOR PETERSEN-BEARD E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ETTC MNUC PARM PREL KSTC KNNP HR LO SI SUBJECT: EXBS: CROATIA/SLOVAKIA/SLOVENIA ADVISOR MONTHLY REPORTING CABLE - APRIL 2007 ¶1. SITE ASSESSMENTS AND MEETINGS Croatia -------------- 14-15 April, attended the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) Customs Authorities Workshop in Cavtat. As requested, a presentation was made on the topic of "The Role of Customs in Achieving Effective Enforcement Export Controls". This theme was reinforced by the follow-up German Customs presentation detailing how their mandate for effective export controls produced legislative change proving Customs essential criminal investigative authority. This workshop was less a training event than a venue to explore and inspire a more dynamic worldwide role for Customs authorities toward achievement of effective export controls. -------------- 16 April, attended the opening of the Fourth World Congress on Chemical, Biological and Radiological Terrorism and Chemical Biological Medical Treatments Symposia (CMBTS) series in Cavtat, sponsored by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and Applied Science and Analysis (ASA),speaking on the topic of "Incentives for Industry - Government Outreach". The symposium was well attended by a broad international spectrum representing both the government and private sector. -------------- 17 April, met with the Ministry of Interior (MoI),Head of Split-Dalmatia Border Police (BP) Department and the Split Passenger Terminal BP Commander and staff to discuss continuing security needs. Many of the points discussed related to a recent incident in which the police successfully thwarted an organized crime attempt to plant a bomb aboard one of the ferries. In order to meet such security challenges the police stated the proposed X-ray screening unit should be portable for use between terminals to screen both embarking and debarking passengers. Additionally, the use of detection canines was among the options considered for effective screening of embarking and debarking vehicles. It was acknowledged that although a potential DOD donor has been identified, any donation offer must first be formerly proposed and accepted by the ministry. While the police appreciate the effectiveness of canines, the ministry must evaluate that feasibility, particularly assignment location, environment and use, along with the commitment for extended support requirements including upkeep funding, personnel and resources. -------------- 19 April, met with the Ministry of Finance MoF) Head and Deputy Heads of the Rijeka District Customs Directorate Administration at their request to discuss outcome of the CWC Workshop and the scheduled IBIT being conducted in Charleston, SC. The point of the meeting was to reaffirm interest in additional EXBS sponsored training directed toward enhancement of mission performance, particularly contraband detection and enhanced enforcement methods. There was also a request for additional radiation pagers for the use of Customs personnel inspecting and clearing containers in the port. It was agreed that the request would be put forward. Slovakia -------------- 23 April, met with the U.S. Commerce Department representative to discuss coordination of the Internal Control Program (ICP) training with the Slovak Chamber of Commerce. This session will be held in Zilina and the final session, scheduled for 30-31 May, will be held in Bratislava. -------------- 26 April, met with the new Ministry of Economy (MoE) Head of Trade Licensing. This was an introductory courtesy call. The new director stated a desire to undertake a more assertive stance utilizing Tracker, ICP and other related EXBS provided tools to improve detection of illicit diversion efforts and promote greater licensing compliance. Additionally, the director, a former Head of the Customs Directorate Investigative Department, advised he will seek closer coordination with Customs Investigations to achieve that end. ¶2. TRAINING CONDUCTED DURING REPORTING PERIOD Croatia -------------- 16-20 April, The Department of Defense (DoD) International Counterproliferation (ICP) program training team conduced a "WMD ZAGREB 00000459 002 OF 002 Threat Management" Course, 16-20 April 07 in Dubrovnik. There were approximately 20 attendees representing a broad spectrum of the government from the police, customs, Nuclear Safety, and others. Slovakia -------------- 25-26 April, the U.S. Commerce Department provide Internal Control Program (ICP) training to industry representatives in Zilina. The training, hosted by the Slovak Chamber of Commerce was well attended and successful. Slovenia -------------- 05-06 April, the U.S. Commerce Department provide Internal Control Program (ICP) training to approximately 10 industry representatives in Ljubljana. The training, hosted by the Slovenian Chamber of Commerce was well attended and successful. BRADTKE