MACEDONIA: COUNTRY TEAM ASSESSMENT FOR PROCURMENT

UNCLAS SKOPJE 000009 SIPDIS EUR/SCE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MASS MARR MCAP MOPS NATO MK SUBJECT: MACEDONIA: COUNTRY TEAM ASSESSMENT FOR PROCURMENT OF NVDS AND CLOSE COMBAT OPTICAL DEVICES ¶1. (Summary) The following country team assessment (CTA) is provided, IAW Ref A, Chapter 5, on behalf of the Ministry of Defense of Macedonia. This assessment covers the following military electronics as designated in the U.S. Munitions List, Category XII: Fire control, range finder, optical and guidance and control equipment. More specifically, this request covers the following Items: Night vision devices - PVS-17A - 80 Close combat optical sight - M68- 80 (End Summary) ¶2. The reason the nation desires the articles or services. The procurement of these devices will greatly enhance the capabilities of Macedonian armed forces (ARM) deployed in support of the Vermont National Guard-led, Macedonian "Embedded Operational and Mentor Liaison Team8 (OMLT) in Afghanistan. These devices will directly contribute to the ARM ability to operate with U.S. forces and NATO allies supporting the International Security Force Afghanistan (ISAF) as well as any future operations. ¶3. How the articles or services would affect the recipient's force structure. These devices will have no impact on ARM force structure. ¶4. How the articles or services would contribute to both the U.S. and the recipient's defense/security goals. These devices will enhance the ARM ability to conduct night operations and to identify other friendly U.S. and NATO forces. ¶5. The anticipated reaction of neighboring nations. Macedonia already possesses these capabilities. Moreover these devices are to support ARM operations in Afghanistan. Post does not foresee an adverse reaction by neighboring nations. ¶6. Assess the nation's ability to safeguard, operate, maintain, and support the articles. Macedonia already possesses generation III NVDs and has clearly demonstrated that it maintains the required security level and accountability procedures for these and other similar devices. ¶7. Training required either in-country or in the U.S. and the possible impact of any in-country U.S. presence that might be required as a result of providing the article. Considering the total-package approach which has been requested, training will be included and should not involve more than 2-3 persons in country more than 10 days. ¶8. Possible impact of any in-country U.S. presence that might be required as a result of providing the articles. None. U.S. personnel regularly conduct training events in Macedonia. ¶9. Source of financing and the economic impact of the proposed acquisition. None. U.S. FY10 NDAA section 1206 authority will fund the acquisition. Country team does not anticipate any adverse economic impact. ¶10. Human rights considerations relevant to the proposed acquisition. None. There are no human rights considerations that bear on this acquisition. ¶11. End-use monitoring (EUM) for sensitive and advanced warfighting technology and the SCO's plan for compliance verification. Macedonia already possesses generation III devices. These items will be added to our current EUM execution plan. ¶12. Recommendation whether the USG should approve transfer of the article and justification. Post strongly recommends immediate approval of this request for the procurement of these NVDs. These articles will enhance the combat effectiveness of troops deploying to support Macedonia's Embedded OMLT in support of ISAF. These devices will directly contribute to the readiness level of the Macedonian armed forces and its interoperability with U.S. and NATO Forces. Agreeing to this request will also reinforce the strong bilateral relationship between our nations and strengthen Macedonian resolve to continue its support to ISAF and future coalition operations. ¶13. POC at USEMBASSY SKOPJE is ODC Chief MAJ Michael S. Tarquinto, Sr., 389 2 310 2369, email - mtarquinto@san.osd.mil NAVRATIL