EXBS: SERBIA, ADVISOR MONTHLY REPORTING CABLE - MARCH,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 06 BELGRADE 000420 DEPT FOR ISN/ECC - YWONG, ACHURCH, AND RBALDWIN, ISN-EXBS-AMT-DL USDOE/NNSA FOR TPERRY, DPAL CPB/INA FOR SMARSH SIPDIS E.O.12958: N/A TAGS: ETTC MNUC PARM PREL KSTC KNNP PBTS SNAR KCRM SR BK MW SUBJECT: EXBS: SERBIA, ADVISOR MONTHLY REPORTING CABLE - MARCH, 2009 BELGRADE 00000420 001.2 OF 006 ¶1. BROAD AREAS OF INTEREST TO ADVSORS AND AGENCY MANAGERS -- EXBS had a follow-up meeting with Border Police High Commissioner Zoran Lasica regarding the Montenegrin Maritime Surveillance System; this system is comprised of a network of radar and optical (high resolution daylight cameras and night capable systems (IR). There are a number of local surveillance stations (fixed and mobile) that report to a Central Command (and Monitoring) Center, providing individual radar station displays (selectable) and a "fused" situation display of the entire maritime border. In addition, inputs from all surveillance cameras and IR devices along the "blue border" will also be available at the center on an operator selectable basis. The system will include 30-day surveillance data archiving, hierarchical user access, and the slaving of cameras to specific tracks selected on associated radar systems. Individual locations, surveillance equipment distribution and reporting strategy were reviewed. All technical information, including an exact comprehensive equipment list has been defined. Also defined was the technical description and requirements for the integrating software package tying all local station surveillance systems into a "fused" situational display of the Montenegrin "blue border". The BP Maritime command center where the entire coastal situation will be displayed has been completed and outfitted with the necessary hardware. All locally installed equipment (radars, cameras, sensors) have been installed, checked out and operational. This equipment has been procured and installed exclusively by the Border Police of Montenegro. EXBS visited the surveillance system Central Command Center at the Port of Bar on 24 March. At this time, EXBS is looking into the possibility of providing and integrating software package for this surveillance system. This is a key element in bringing all system components together into a cohesive, structured system that would allow not only comprehensive surveillance but a much more efficient deployment and use of maritime assets. ¶2. SITE ASSESSMENTS AND MEETINGS DURING THE REPORTING PERIOD -- 25 March, EXBS; Meeting of four Police (LE) Academies; Danilovgrad, Montenegro; Police Academies from Banja Luka, Sarajevo, Belgrade (Kamenica),and MNE Danilovgrad (host). The representative of the Police Academy structure in Slovenia was invited as keynote speaker. She provided not only an overview of their academy structure, but their strategy and the related requirements for EU membership. There was a meaningful Q&A after her presentation. This meeting was chaired by MNE, Danilovgrad Academy Director Zivko Sipcic, who expressed sincere appreciation EXBS support for not only the Police Academy and its activities but to the Montenegro Border Police in general. Also attending were Biljana Pushkar from Kamenica, Taib Spahic from Sarajevo, and Dragica Markovic from Banja Luka; all indicated that the time spent in Danilovgrad more than met their expectations. Mr. Dennis Cosgrove of ICITAP, Podgorica also attended. This is a regional initiative that has been developing during 2008, and cites a number of serious advantages in advancing regional entry-level LE development, curriculum building and information sharing. Some of the many advantages include: The harmonization and standardization of the region's LE system through an educational system that provides a common base curriculum and imposes similar standards in education ethics and conduct. The two BiH academies and the rest of the academies in the region would routinely work more closely, share information, share resources, and be in a better potential position to integrate in the future. This would advance regional cooperation, relations, cross-border cooperation, and efficient operational hand-offs. The academies could arrange student and instructor exchanges, and possible cross-training between academies where specialized offerings are available at one and not another (e.g. Maritime curriculum in Montenegro). This could lead to computer networking for reference and source materials (that can also be used by the actual LE agencies in their work). BELGRADE 00000420 002.2 OF 006 It would establish a better forum with which to approach the EU and USA for training, support and advice. This consistent in promoting the South-East Europe regional LE cooperation agreements discussed at the DCAF/MOI Conference on Border Security. It could help international assistance efforts in more effectively identifying and distributing possible training and equipment. Presentations and discussions held by managers and represQtatives of the regional police academies provided them with Qe opportunity to learn about currQula, specific forms and methods of realizing LE training, as well as new challenges in the advancement of police training in Europe, viewed through the process of transition towards EU integration and implementation of the best practice in training all aspects of police functions. All greatly appreciated the readiness demonstrated by all participants to achieve networking and co-operation of police institutions in the region in order to implement harmonized programs for training. Participants expressed complete awareness that monitoring and modifying standards of police operations is a requirement which must be met during for integration into EU. Therefore, participants prepared for this meeting very carefully to make their presentations take this into account and relate to reforms, new curricula, and the primary LE training, as well as models for evaluation. During the Ministerial Conference on Border Security held in Belgrade, Minister of Internal Affairs, Ivica Dacic, pointed out that the co-operation of police forces relating to border security was of crucial significance for internal security, as well as for the fight against organized crime. For that reason, participants of the round table acknowledged the fact that only co-operation could be a good response to the global challenges in relation to crime. All the representatives of the Police educational institution present at the meeting expressed their support for this initiative and continuing meetings on the relevant educational and cooperative topics on regular basis. This round table was understood by all the participants as the start of a project on establishing a Regional Consortium of Police Academies, strongly recommended by the above mentioned SEE Ministers of Interior at the 6th Ministerial Conference held in Belgrade in March 2009. The round table was a good opportunity to hear some new ideas related to the police education system in the neighboring countries and to share experiences and best practices with EU countries (presentation by Slovenia). The meeting met its objectives and a lively discussion lasted from morning until late in the evening (2100). At the end of the meeting the following was concluded: * Full support to be given to the SEE Police Academies' Network-Consortium; * Full support to be given to the exchange programs including both, instructors and students * Create preconditions for regular-annual meetings of the Police Academies and extend it to other countries in the region (Croatia, Macedonia, etc). * Welcome any kind of support to the above stated activities by international organizations. All participants thanked EXBS for our support both in the past and with this project. -- On 6 March, during the MOI Border Security Conference EXBS had a follow-on discussion with Serbian Border Police International Section leadership at MOI/BP HQ. With respect to their equipment requirements, the BP liaison officer indicated that they were still to meet with EU representatives on the subject of material assistance, and again asked for some time to coordinate assistance. -- On 30 March, EXBS had a follow-on meeting with Serbian Customs Enforcement leadership at Customs HQ. Serbian Customs was satisfied with L3 Technician visit on 2 March, including the final systems repair (neutron detector replacement) and final van factory warrantee check out. No additional training was required. Customs is still interested in developing an interagency curriculum BELGRADE 00000420 003.2 OF 006 development capability for preparing Customs-specific educational and development programs to be provided either at Customs HQ proper or in cooperation with other LE agency educational institutions. EXBS continued looking into the possibility of detailing some of Serbian Customs specialists to work on an OJT basis in the US along-side US Customs officers. Serbian Customs would like to assign no more than five inspectors at a time due to staff work load considerations; they would have a functional knowledge of English. Customs was interested in some of the "moderate" flow US/Mexican POE's (they feel this would be the nearest approximation of Serbia/Kosovo border conditions. However, Serbian Customs leadership emphasized the safety requirement in any such assignment. They also asked that there be minimal involvement in container traffic inspections, and more on-the-line work with general traffic flow. Another possible training program proposed for Customs consideration to complement the above on a middle operational managerial level, is Targeting and Risk Management (TRM-IVP). Some Serbian Customs officers who participated in TRM training in December may be afforded the opportunity to observe U.S. CBP officers in action, employing approaches provided by CBP trainers in the Balkan region. The intended participants would be carefully screened to be mid-level Customs officers who are involved in day to day assessments of international cargo shipments to determine risk levels and which should then be targeted for more intensive manifest review or physical inspection. The proposed program is envisioned to include CBP HQ (including targeting and risk management (TRM) experts); the National Targeting Center Passenger (NTCP),and National Targeting Center Cargo (NTCC) in Virginia. Visits to select US border crossings to discuss and observe targeting and risk management efforts in the air passenger environment, and commodity targeting specialists. Advanced Targeting Unit (ATU),Enforcement Team managers will provide an overview of container flow through the CBP targeting, selection and examination process. Demonstrations of various examination technologies and techniques - stationary VACIS, smart technology, Video Spectral Comparator, NII examinations, tools & technology, container examinations, and smuggling methodologies. This can be a regional program, with a total of around ten participants. Customs Chief of Enforcement Alexandar Vulovic was told that the proposed Executive trip for Customs Directors was likely to slip into CY-2010. ¶3. TRAINING CONDUCTED DURING REPORTING PERIOD -- 09-13 March, EXBS/USCG Engineering/Logistics Administration, Regional: Serbia, BiH and Montenegro (Border Police, Customs); Herzeg Novi, Montenegro. The course was conducted with a total of fifteen Border police participants: five each from Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and the Border Police of Montenegro. The regional nature of the course allowed the participants to compare their respective systems, to learn directly from one another, and improve regional cross-border operations and relations. Note: Putting MNE maritime planning into perspective, the Border Police are in the process of setting up a very well thought out seacoast surveillance system using radars, IR and high-resolution video cameras. At this time, they have most of the Adriatic coastline covered, and one radar installation (with multiple camera installations) on Lake Skadar. One of the considerations in setting up this system (where we are trying assist with a system integrating software package),is that the BP seaborne assets are over-utilized, and an efficient long-range surveillance system will make the utilization of these assets much more effective and efficient (and reduce wear and tear). They are also looking for better all-weather capability and better incident response times. It is clear that the BP value their assets and would like to set up a system to use them optimally. End note. The course was highly effective and the participants were very BELGRADE 00000420 004.2 OF 006 receptive to the course content and approach. All personnel paricipated enthusiastically interacted very well among themselves throughout the course. Personnel shared and compared different tactics, techniques and procedures used to accomplish the their mission of protecting the maritime borders. The USCG MTT made several future individual nation and regional course recommendations: - Regional CG-19 Advanced Boarding Officer course for all three countries as a follow on to the CG-9 Basic Boarding Officer Course conducted at the Port of Bar, Montenegro 22-26 September 2008. The importance of practical training was identified by participants from all three countries as their jobs primarily involve the prevention of smuggling, human trafficking and illegal migration. - Incident Command System (ICS) courses were recommended for the three countries individually before conducting regional courses. This would bring the different agencies within each country to a common level and establish a knowledge of the ICS system and develop cohesive working relations internally within ICS methodology before working within the context of this system regionally. - Individual CG-9 Basic Outboard Motor Maintenance courses for Serbia and BiH. All BiH and almost all Serbian vessels use outboard engines. Contractors perform all of the maintenance for Serbian and BiH Border police; this course could greatly reduce high reliance on contractors and attendant higher maintenance costs. Training Border Police personnel would not only lower costs but also develop greater operator/crew knowledge and technical awareness that would result in better PMS techniques and greater general personnel involvement in caring for their assets. - CG-14 Hull Maintenance and Repair Course for the BiH Border Police. This would also apply to Serbian operations, as both overwhelmingly operate on rivers where there is an increased possibility of collisions and other damage from submerged debris. Note: As with other maintenance, fiberglass hull repairs are also contracted out, but frequently insufficient available funding for repairs, limits vessel utilization. End note. Note: Nine (Zodiac type) boats were donated by the USG to the Maritime Border Police under the MBSP (MNE Border Security Program) approximately three years ago. These boats were unfortunately delivered after the program had actually ended. Two of the boats had irreparable engine manufacturer defects and these engines were not utilized. Of the operational boats, one boat is typically cycled into maintenance at any given time, and six are in full-time use. The utilization rate is approximately one to two hours daily per boat from September to May (the "off season"),and three to four times that during the peak tourist season - the boats are needed, and used. They are distributed along the coast from Herceg Novi, to Bar, and Lake Skadar. Relatively speaking, the Montenegrin maritime contingent is well ahead in developing SOP's, procedures and other maintenance requirements and schedules. Much of this was developed by the Deputy High Commissioner for Border Police Surveillance and his staff. The course further re-enforced their maintenance capability. There is considerable room for improvement, and top Maritime BP leadership support remains very important in achieving success. End note. -- 23-27 March, EXBS/CBP International Seaport Interdiction Training (ISIT II); REGIONAL, Customs/Border Police from Serbia, Montenegro, BiH The training went very well: Inspectors WilliamQ and Bruce Guyote were excellent instructors, adaptQynamic, experienced, and able to meaningfully engage the audience. The course content was fine-tuned for greater regional relevancy. The instructors were able to maintain a dialog type nature through the many discussions, with active student participation; feedback was very positive. The course venue was very good, as were the services. On Monday, 23 March, US EMB Podgorica Pol/Econ Off. Marcus Micheli attended the training opening session and provided an opening statement. MNE Customs Anti-smuggling Section Chief of Mr. Radusinovic also gave an opening statement. ¶4. EQUIPMENT DELIVERED DURING REPORTING PERIOD BELGRADE 00000420 005.2 OF 006 -- No equipment was delivered in this increment. ¶5. IMMINENT TRAINING or EQUIPMENT STATUS UPDATE -- 06-17 April: Basic Small Boat Operations Training, Velike Gradiste, Danube, Serbia; Border Police and Customs; DHS/USCG. -- 20-24 April: UGA Export Control Seminar (2nd week); Licensing Authority (Ministries of Economy) Officers (2) Montenegro and Serbia; UGA, Athens, GA; EXBS. -- The following equipment items are expected to be turned over the Border Police of Serbia in April: Color printer and cartridges; multi-tool kits; metal detectors, and telescopic mirror kits. -- The following equipment items are expected to be turned over the Indirect Taxation Authority of BiH in April: ten Lada Niva Vehicles; vehicle tracking devices (GPS/cell phone technology). ¶6. SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS IN EXPORT CONTROLS, NONPROLIFERATION, OR RELATED BORDER SECURITY -- 03-06 March, MOI Border Security Ministerial Conference, ten countries, sponsored by Geneva Center for the Democratic Control of the Armed Forces (DCAF),and hosted by the MOI of Serbia. This was the sixth annual Border Security Conference for South Eastern Europe, each year held in a different South Eastern European country, this year in Belgrade. The conference was chaired by Minister of Interior, Ivica Dacic, with addresses by President Tadic; from the Presidency of the EU, Minister of Interior of the Czech Republic, Ivan Langer; Mr. Mihail Raykov Mikov, Minister of Interior of Republic of Bulgaria; EC Dep. Dir. Gen. for DG Enlargement Jan Truszczynski; Mr. Roberto Maroni, Minister of Interior of Republic of Italy. The first session was chaired by Mr. Gent Strazimiri, First Deputy Minister of Interior of the Republic of Albania, co-chaired by BG Kurt Hager, Coordinator on International Police Cooperation, Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Austria. Addresses and presentations were made by ministerial level representatives from: Italy, Bulgaria, Albania, Austria, Macedonia, and Mr. Andrus Oovel, Head of the DCAF Border Security Program. Among these was: "Way to Schengen eligibility", Mr. Ivan Bizjak, Director General, DG Justice and Home Affairs, General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union; "Achievements Made and Challenges to Border Security in South East Europe" Mr. Gil Areas Fernandes, Deputy of Executive Director, FRONTEX; "Progress in the Implementation of the Police Cooperation Convention for Southeast Europe" Mr. Anton Travner, Head of the Secretariat of the Police Cooperation Convention for Southeast Europe. The second session was chaired by Ms. Gordana Jankuloska, Minister of Interior of the Republic of Macedonia. Country Reports on the Progress Made in the Field of Border Security in 2008 and on the Implementation Strategies for 2009 to 2011: Border Police directors of Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania and Republic of Croatia made presentations to the full forum. The third session was chaired by Mr. Tarik Sadovic, Minister of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina, continuing the country reports by Border Police heads; the Republic of Macedonia; Republic of Montenegro; Republic of Serbia. The fourth session was chaired by Mr. Ivica Dacic, Minister of Interior of the Republic of Serbia, co-chaired by Ambassador Dr. Theodor H. Winkler, Director DCAF. Presentations on "Reflections on the Progress in Border Security in South East Europe in 2008 and Proposals for Enhancing Regional Operational Cooperation to be Implemented from 2009 to 2011" were made by: Mr. Gent Strazimiri, Deputy Minister of Interior of the Republic of Albania; Mr. Tarik Sadovic, Minister of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina; Mr. Tomislav Karamarko, Minister of Interior of the Republic of Croatia; Ms. Gordana Jankuloska, Minister of Interior of the Republic of Macedonia; Mr. Jusuf Kalamperovic, Minister of Interior and Public BELGRADE 00000420 006.2 OF 006 Administration of Montenegro; Mr. Ivica Dacic, Minister of Interior of the Republic of Serbia. Conclusions: Objectives for 2009, Tasks for 2010 to 2011 in the Framework of DCAF's Border Security Program for South East Europe; presented by Mr. Andrus Oovel, Head of DCAF's Border Security Program. As sponsor, DCAF was primarily responsible for the organization and selection of invitees to the conference. Kosovo was not invited to the conference for no reason other than that DCAF has had no activities or programs there. The forum was very open and cordial, with very substantive side discussions at all opportunities. MUNTER