VETTING RESPONSE (PODGORICA 163)

UNCLAS STATE 074673

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: MW ASEC PHUM PREL
SUBJECT: VETTING RESPONSE (PODGORICA 163)

REF: PODGORICA 163


1. (U) This cable responds to the action request in reftel
requesting human rights vetting for candidate nominated
to attend the Defense Language Institute at Lackland AFB. The
course is scheduled for August 2 - August 28, 2009.


2. (SBU) The Department of State has vetted the
individual listed in reftel and possesses no credible
derogatory information as of 07/17/2009. Post is
authorized to include the following individual(s) in
USG-funded training:


(1) NAME: VADM Dragan Smarazdic
DOB: 14 May 1963 in Kotor, Montenegro
GENDER: Male
TITLE: Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of
Montenegro (Chief of Defense)
ORGANIZATION: The Montenegrin Armed Forces
NATIONALITY: Montenegrin


3. (U) Post is permitted to provide the following
statement to authorized parties: Embassy verifies that the
Department of State possesses no credible information of
gross violations of human rights by the individual(s)
identified above, as of 07/17/2009. Post may cite this
cable in response.


4. (U) Note that if Post subsequently becomes aware of
possible human rights violations by the individual(s)
listed above, Post should inform the Department and not
proceed with training. Post should refer to the Leahy
Vetting guidance manual for additional assistance.

CLINTON