EXBS: CROATIA/SLOVAKIA/SLOVENIA ADVISOR MONTHLY REPORTING

UNCLAS ZAGREB 000582 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 - MAY 2007 ¶1. SITE ASSESSMENTS AND MEETINGS Croatia -------------- 4 May, attended the EU Regional Code of Conduct Workshop coordinated by SIPRI and BAFA. The workshop provided a forum for networking and coordination among regional states and EU member states to aid effective development of their respective Munitions Export Control legislation responsive to the EU Code of Conduct. As the host for the workshop, Croatia provided very positive input of lessons learned based upon their recent experience in completing the review and revision of their existing export control legislation. -------------- 14 May, in the company of the visiting Desk Officer for Croatia and Slovakia, met with DOE representatives to discuss and coordinate future deployments of the CIT both in Croatia and regionally particularly for the Slovak and Czech Republics and Hungary. -------------- 14-16 May, in the company of the visiting Desk Officer for Croatia and Slovakia, met with the Croatian Export Control Commission comprised of representation from the Ministries of Economy, Foreign Affairs, Sea Tourism and Transportation, State offices of Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection. The primary concern among attendees was disappointment over unexplained delays of the Tracker deployment. While the failure to meet Tracker commitments without reasonable explanation and guidance or be forthcoming with candid status updates has not been positively received, the Desk Officer's initiative to soothe and reverse those concerns was effective. Slovakia -------------- 18 May, in the company of the visiting Desk Officer for Croatia and Slovakia, met with the Department Heads of Ministry of Finance (Customs),Interior (Border Police) and Economy (Licensing),to discuss progress and outstanding needs and concerns. As in Croatia, the most prevalent concern was the disposition of the Tracker network hardware and software upgrade. As in the case of Croatia these concerns were resolved by the Desk Officer, if the commitments can now be met. ¶2. TRAINING CONDUCTED DURING REPORTING PERIOD Croatia -------------- 09-19 May, The EXBS Program Coordinator accompanied 18 Customs Officers to Charleston for International Seaport Interdiction Training. Reports indicate the training was well received and the CBT were pleased with the enthusiasm, input and participation demonstrated by the Croatian delegation. Slovakia -------------- 30-31 May, the U.S. Commerce Department provided the final Internal Control Program (ICP) training to industry representatives in Bratislava. The training, hosted by the Slovak Chamber of Commerce was well attended and successful. After the training the government represented presented a plan to continue the ICP on a scheduled basis. ¶3. EQUIPMENT DONATIONS Slovenia -------------- 09 May, Presented a Ludlum 192 handheld detector, donated by the Department of Energy, to the Head, Slovenian Nuclear Safety Administration. BRADTKE