BOSNIA - FY 2009 JULIA TAFT REFUGEE FUND PROPOSAL

UNCLAS SARAJEVO 000573 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR PRM/ECA: MATT JOHNSON; BELGRADE FOR AIDA KURIC E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREF PHUM PGOV BK SUBJECT: BOSNIA - FY 2009 JULIA TAFT REFUGEE FUND PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REF: A. (A) STATE 14280 ¶B. (B) HANISH-JOHNSON TELCON 5/7/09 ¶1. (SBU) Per reftel A, Post is pleased to submit a project proposal for the FY 2009 Julia Taft Refugee Fund. Embassy Sarajevo, working in consultation with the Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) State Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees, the Federation Ministry of Human Rights and Refugee Issues, the Canton of Sarajevo Ministry of Refugees, the Serb Civic Council of BiH, and Catholic Relief Services (CRS),has identified an unmet need for assistance to ethnic-Serb returnees to the Canton of Sarajevo. Recognizing the benefits of a larger-scale project than would otherwise be possible within Taft Fund limits, Post has secured commitments of approximately USD 60,000 over and above the USD 20,000 maximum Taft fund contribution (figures approximate based on exchange rate fluctuation). Additional funds from the Republika Srpska government or the municipalities within Canton Sarajevo will be sought as project specifics emerge, but at this time the USD 60,000 in matching funds is a firm commitment. ¶2. (SBU) Per reftel B, Post will forward (via e-mail) a project proposal, prepared by CRS, which envisions a three-pronged approach to encouraging sustainable Serb returns to Sarajevo Canton. The project envisions assistance to be provided for small shelter repair to approximately five returnee houses. On a second level, the project envisions material and technical assistance in the area of local agriculture, including, as appropriate, training, provision of small livestock or seeds, rotary cultivators, or greenhouses for at least 10 returnee families. CRS estimates a total of at least 55 individuals will thus benefit from shelter/agricultural assistance. Finally, underlining the integration of returnee populations into the larger life of Sarajevo, the project will include one infrastructure/repair project which will benefit a returnee-heavy area of the Canton. ¶3. (SBU) Post understands PRM already has on file a signed code of conduct from Catholic Relief Services which will fulfill requirements spelled out in State 14280, para 3. CRS has agreed to waive normal headquarters fees for their work on the Taft Fund project. ENGLISH