Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08ZAGREB576
2008-08-01 11:41:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Zagreb
Cable title:
CROATIA SIGNS IMPLEMENTING ARRANGMENT FOR MANPADS
how-toVZCZCXRO1218 PP RUEHFL RUEHKW RUEHLA RUEHROV RUEHSR DE RUEHVB #0576 2141141 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 011141Z AUG 08 FM AMEMBASSY ZAGREB TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8536 INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
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)
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
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