ZAGREB WEEKLY ACTIVITY REPORT - JULY 2, 2008

UNCLAS ZAGREB 000492 SIPDIS FOR EUR/SCE, EUR/PPD, EUR/RPM AND EUR/ERA OSD FOR POPOVICH E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL MARR PHUM KPAO PGOV HR SUBJECT: ZAGREB WEEKLY ACTIVITY REPORT - JULY 2, 2008 ¶1. (U) INTERNATIONAL MILITARY EXERCISE DEMONSTRATES CROATIA'S READINESS FOR NATO: On June 26 approximately 1800 troops from Croatia, the US, Macedonia and Albania took part in a complex military exercise, "Adriatic Aurora," at the Croatian military's Gasinci base in eastern Slavonia. The troops, some of whom will be rotating soon to ISAF in Afghanistan, took part in simulations of terrorist attacks on military convoys, battles in built-up areas, and other operations that soldiers might face in peacekeeping missions. Politicians, diplomats and military leadership from the participating countries observed the exercises. Croatia's President Stipe Mesic noted that "this was the most complex exercise ever undertaken in Croatia (and it demonstrated) the soldiers...can operate in line with NATO standards. (BMcAloon) ¶2. (U) EXERCISE ACCOMPANIED BY HUMANITARIAN PROJECT FOR LOCAL FIRE HOUSE AND PLAYGROUND: In conjunction with the military exercise, troops from the U.S. National Guard units, joined with Croatian and Albanian colleagues to refurbish a local fire station and children's playground. Ambassador Bradtke and Croatian officials cut the ribbon for the projects before an appreciative local audience. (RHoltzapple) ¶3. (U) ZAGREB GAY PRIDE MARCH GOES SMOOTHLY, BUT FIVE ACTIVISTS ASSAULTED AFTER THE EVENT: Zagreb's annual Gay Pride parade was held in Zagreb on Saturday, June 28. The event, which in previous years had seen violent attacks from by-standers, proceeded peacefully. An estimated 200 marchers, including at least one parliamentarian, the Croatian government's ombudsperson for gender issues, and several foreign guests, received protection from some 400 Croatian police. Reporters at the scene noted that passers-by were more "tolerant" than in previous years, with some supportive comments, and only a few instances of verbal abuse, which were quickly addressed by police. After the march ended, however, five activists (two Croatian and three from Kosovo),were attacked and robbed outside their NGO's offices, and required medical attention, with one victim suffering a borken nose. Police are still looking for the culprits. (MJelenc) ¶4. (U) EMBASSY OUTREACH IN EASTERN SLAVONIA: Embassy PAO and IRC Director visited Osijek and Vukovar, two cities heavily damaged during the 1990's war in Croatia, on June 26-27. The lingering legacy of the conflict was underlined when plans to visit the memorial site at Ovcara, where some 200 Croats were buried in a mass grave, had to be postponed due to demining along the access road. In both cities, the PAO met with local officials, educators, and librarians to discuss potential for future collaboration. The Embassy provided donations of books, computors and posters on American themes, with local media coverage featuring the PAO speaking in Croatian about the donations. (KWetzel) Bradtke