DEFENSE MINISTER REQUESTS USG SUPPORT FOR MONTENEGRO'S

UNCLAS PODGORICA 000152 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL MW SUBJECT: DEFENSE MINISTER REQUESTS USG SUPPORT FOR MONTENEGRO'S MEMBERSHIP IN A-3 ¶1. (SBU) Under cover of a diplomatic note, the Montenegrin Ministry of Foreign Affairs forwarded an April 29 letter to the Ambassador from Minister of Defense Vucinic, in which the Minister requests USG support for Montenegro's membership in the Adriatic Charter (A-3). According to the letter (see para three for text),this request follows an April 22 meeting between Montenegrin President Vujanovic and his Albanian and Croatian counterparts. Montenegro currently has observer status in the A-3. ¶2. (SBU) COMMENT: Post strongly supports Montenegro's effort to join the Adriatic Charter. Inclusion would allow the new invitees to mentor Montenegro toward membership in NATO and would help the GOM build public support for a pro-NATO course. It would also show recognition for -- and stimulate continued progress on -- Montenegro's defense reforms. By providing an additional vehicle for regional cooperation, expanded Adriatic Charter membership would also enhance regional security. ¶3. (SBU) Begin text of letter (in English, as written): Dear Mr. Ambassador, It is my pleasure to inform you of the following: Based on the meeting of the Presidents of the Republic of Albania Bamir Topi, the Republic of Croatia Stjepan Mesic, and the President of the Republic of Montenegro Filip Vujanovic, held in Skadar, on 22 April, 2008, at the initiative of the President of Montenegro Filip Vujanovic, we kindly ask you to support Montenegrin application for reception into the full-fledged membership in the American-Adriatic Charter, in which my country has observer status. I would like to use this opportunity to express my deepest respect for the United States Embassy and to convey my highest appreciation. Minister Boro Vucinic End Text. MOORE