ZAGREB WEEKLY ACTIVITY REPORT - FEBRUARY 20, 2008

UNCLAS ZAGREB 000113 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS FOR EUR/SCE, EUR/PPD, EUR/RPM AND EUR/ERA OSD FOR WINTERNITZ E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV HR SUBJECT: ZAGREB WEEKLY ACTIVITY REPORT - FEBRUARY 20, 2008 ¶1. (U) CROATIAN MILITARY BECOMES AN ALL-VOLUNTEER FORCE: February 19, 2008, saw the last conscripts in the Croatian military depart their barracks for the final time. With the end of this cohorts' tour of duty, the Croatian military no longer has any conscripted personnel. New soldiers entering on duty will be the first members of Croatia's all-volunteer force. This marks a significant step in Croatia's efforts to modernize and professionalize its military service. In 2007, the Croatian military saw its long-term plans to end conscription accelerated, with the Croatian parliament voting to suspend conscription as of January 1, 2008. (CRhoton) ¶2. (U) DOJ OFFICIALS MEET WITH CROATIAN COUNTERPARTS TO DISCUSS EXTRADITION: Department of Justice Senior Trial Attorneys Michael Dittoe and Teresa McHenry visited Zagreb last week for discussions with their Croatian counterparts on the issue of extradition. Over the course of two days of technical discussions with officials from the Ministry of Justice and Office of the State Prosecutor, the DOJ officials were able to establish which pending Croatian extradition requests, some dating back as far as 2003, could, with additional information, result in successful extraditions in U.S. courts. Beyond the specific cases reviewed, the discussions greatly enhanced each sides' understanding of the others' legal system, leading to an agreement by the Croatian MOJ to revise its standards for making extradition requests to the U.S. to maximize the possibility of success in U.S. courts. (RElvikis) ¶3. (U) FBI/SECI HOSTS REGIONAL ORGANIZED CRIME CONFERENCE Bringing together about 40 police officers from around the region, the FBI hosted a week-long seminar near Zagreb on fighting organized crime. Presenters impressed upon colleagues the importance of regional cooperation and communication in suppressing organized crime, emphasizing that organized crime knows no borders and easily flows via the "Balkan Route." The seminar covered topics such as the 'enterprise theory' of investigations, cyber crime, the use of informants and of undercover agents. The SECI Center was discussed as a tool for enhanced communication between police to more fluidly respond to both tips and requests for information. Participants were organized crime specialists from Slovenia, Serbia, Bosnia-Hercegovina, and Croatia. (KSelinger) Bradtke