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

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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