ZAGREB WEEKLY ACTIVITY REPORT - JANUARY 30, 2008

UNCLAS ZAGREB 000070 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 - JANUARY 30, 2008 ¶1. (U) US Supports Mine Risk Children's Book: Through PM/NADR demining funds, Post supported the development of a children's comic book for distribution in Croatia's schools. The project employed teen artists and writers to educate youth about the dangers of mines, which still remain a threat in 12 of Croatia's 20 counties. The $17,000 donatiQ to a Karlovac-based NGO continues Post's long-term collaboration with officials in Karlovac to demine that war-affected county, and with its Rotary Club, which has been actively engaged in fundraising and demining activities for that region. The book release received positive press attention in newspapers, radio, and on a national morning news program. Post will continue to support mine-risk education initiatives and mine victim assistance as part of its wider demining program. (KSelinger) ¶2. (U) Teacher's Seminar Addresses the Holocaust: On the heels of Croatia's January 27th commemorative ceremony for International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Zagreb hosted a three-day seminar focused on the Holocaust. Forty-two history teachers attended the seminar, which was geared to help both teachers and students learn about the tragic events during the Second World War. The seminar was attended by both U.S. Ambassador Robert Bradtke and Israeli Ambassador Shmuel Meirom. Also in attendance were representatives from the Anne Frank House, the Ministry of Science, Education and Sport, the Croatian Institute for History, the Jasenovac Memorial Area, and teachers from across the country. The seminar provided teachers with hands-on lessons, videos and posters to assist them in their day to day interactions in the classrooms. Of particular note, the GoCs focus on a multi-disciplinary approach towards Holocaust Education was particularly encouraging. (DFisk) ¶3. (U) Embassy Zagreb Launches Open Yale Courses at American Corners: The DCM and APAO made presentations at American Corners in Rijeka, Osijek and Zagreb on the Open Yale Courses, a program in which Yale University is making some of its most popular undergraduate courses freely available online. Intended to be featured in American Corners, this internet- based education program allows anyone with internet access to take a virtual seat in a Yale college course and quickly download video, audio and written versions of lectures in a variety of disciplines. Syllabi, reading assignments and problem sets, and other materials accompany the courses. Embassy presentations to high school and university students and professors previewed course materials and provided recommendations for incorporating the Yale materials in schools. American Corners in Rijeka and Osijek will make video screenings of Yale courses a weekly event. The lectures at the American Corners received coverage by local media. Additional presentations are scheduled for the American Corner in Zadar and at Pula Polytechnic University. (PWingate) ¶4. (U) FAA Team Assesses Croatian Civil Aviation Authority: A team of FAA inspectors conducted an International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) of Croatia,s Civil Aviation Authority last week. The visit was prompted by a United Airlines request to DOT for economic authority to establish a code share with Croatia Airlines. IASA assesses the degree to which foreign civil aviation authorities implement International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards in their oversight of airlines. Post expects FAA,s formal report and findings in the next few weeks. (NBerliner) BRADTKE