CROATIA EMERGING AS A REGIONAL LEADER IN

UNCLAS ZAGREB 000770

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL KNNP HR
SUBJECT: CROATIA EMERGING AS A REGIONAL LEADER IN
COUNTERPROLIFERATION

REF: ZAGREB 739


1. In late October 2008, Croatia hosted the "9th
International Export Control Conference" in Cavtat (reftel).
This event, co-sponsored by the U.S. Export Control and
Related Border Security Program, served to further
demonstrate the GoC's commitment to the mission of
counterproliferation. In welcoming over 200 participants and
speakers drawn from 65 countries, Croatia signaled its
newfound capacity to act as a leader in this critical global
effort. The GoC's willingness to take seriously the issue of
export controls, to pursue legislative reforms, and to engage
in internationally recognized fora is notable considering
Croatia is rarely identified as a source of or destination
for proscribed goods.


2. Over the last several years, Croatia has worked to
develop an effective export control system consistent with
international standards. Croatia adopted a Law on the
Production, Maintenance, and Trafficking of Arms and Military
Equipment in 2002. Croatia,s Act on the Export of Dual-Use
Items, which controls intangible technology transfers and
includes a catch-all provision, entered into force in January

2005. An amendment to this Act in July 2008 expanded the law
by regulating the brokering of deals as well as technical
support (consulting) and transit of dual use goods. That
same month, Croatia's Law on the Export and Import of
Military Goods and Non-Lethal Goods brought the country's
legislation on arms brokering in line with the EU codes of
conduct and placed rigorous sanctions on offenders.


3. Looking beyond its borders, the GoC has been active in
international counterproliferation fora. As Co-Chair of the
United Nation's 1540 Committee, the GoC has actively engaged
member states in an effort to deepen their commitment to
obligations defined by UNSCR 1540. Croatia is a State Party
to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT),the Chemical
Weapons Convention (CWC),the Biological Weapons Convention
(BWC),and a Subscribing State to the Hague Code of Conduct
Against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCOC). In 2005,
Croatia became a Participating State in the Wassenaar
Arrangement and joined the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
Two years later, Croatia became a Participating State in the
Australia Group (AG).


4. As the country moves toward membership in NATO and the
European Union, neighboring states are increasingly looking
toward Croatia for advice and assistance in instituting their
own reforms. The GoC's experience in developing a thorough
export control system, willingness to engage with partners,
and desire to be seen as a regional leader make it a strong
ally and natural partner for the USG's counterproliferation
programs in Southeastern Europe.
Bradtke