CROATIA SIGNS IMPLEMENTING ARRANGMENT FOR MANPADS

C O N F I D E N T I A L ZAGREB 000576 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/SCE, PM/WRA MARK ADAMS, DEPARTMENT ALSO PLEASE PASS TO DTRA SALW PROGRAM E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/01/2018 TAGS: MASS PREL PGOV PTER MARR PARM HR DEFENSE REFORM SUBJECT: CROATIA SIGNS IMPLEMENTING ARRANGMENT FOR MANPADS DESTRUCTION REF: A. D'AMICO-ADAMS 7/30/2008 E-MAIL B. ZAGREB 00554 C. ZAGREB 00334 D. ZAGREB 322 E. STATE 30482 Classified By: PolOfficer PETER D'AMICO, Reasons 1.4 (B/D) ¶1. (U) On July 30 the Croatian Ministry of Defense (MOD) and post signed an Implementing Arrangement (IA) for the destruction of the military's excess Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS) (refs B-E). In the IA the MOD agreed to destroy 929 of their approximately 2,900 SA 7 Strela missiles as well as conduct security site upgrades in return for one million dollars in USG assistance. The agreement was signed at the MOD by Ambassador Bradtke and Minister of Defense Branko Vukelic. During the signing ceremony, which was well attended by the local media, Ambassador Bradtke noted that IA was an important step in reducing the threat that these weapons could fall into the hands of terrorists as well as demonstrating the very strong security relationship between the United States and Croatia. ¶2. (U) Post sent the IA to PM and awaits instructions for and the distribution of the FYO8 (ref A). Post will continue to follow up with the MOD about improving security at the munitions storage facilities as well as the destruction of more missiles and trying to add grip stocks for FY09. ¶3. (C) Comment: The MOD showed extraordinary alacrity in turning around the IA. On July 28 the MOD was uncertain if it would be possible to sign an agreement in the next several weeks, but the following day the MOD agreed to go ahead with the IA. The quick decision making on moving ahead with the IA may be due to recent personnel shifts in the MOD including appointment of former Director of the military intelligence agency Gordan Cacic as State Secretary. Whatever the ultimate reason may be for the speed with which the IA was finalized, it highlights the deepening of trust and cooperation in the security relationship between Croatia and United States. Walker