VZCZCXYZ0009
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHVB #0422 1201118
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
R 301118Z APR 07
FM AMEMBASSY ZAGREB
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 7614
INFO RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC
RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHDC

C O N F I D E N T I A L ZAGREB 000422 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT FOR PM/RSAT, EUR, EUR/SCE 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/30/2017 
TAGS: MARR MASS MOPS PREL PTER IZ HR DEFENSE REFORM
SUBJECT: NEW FORWARD ON IRAQ: CROATIA'S CONTRIBUTION 
 
REF: SECSTATE 54925. ZAGREB 359. 06 ZAGREB 1364 AND 
     PREVIOUS 
 
Classified By: Political Officer Tom Selinger for reasons 1.4 (b) & (d) 
 
¶1. (C) SUMMARY AND COMMENT: While politically unable to make 
direct troop contributions to operations in Iraq, the GoC has 
offered weapons and training courses to the NATO Training 
Mission in Iraq (NTM-I) (ref C), provides police trainers to 
the Jordan International Police Training Center (JIPTC) (ref 
B), and remains engaged in offering civilian assistance such 
as outreach to Iraqi parliamentarians and hospitalization of 
Iraqi children.  We do not believe a change in policy 
regarding troop contributions is possible, particularly 
considering growing Croatian commitments in Afghanistan and 
upcoming parliamentary elections, but GoC contacts have 
informally expressed interest in making additional 
contributions to the NTM-I and JIPTC.  The GOC established 
formal diplomatic relations with Iraq in August 2006 and 
remains interested in opening a permanent mission in Baghdad. 
 Post will continue to press for increased civilian 
contributions to efforts in Iraq.  END SUMMARY AND COMMENT. 
 
TRAINING AND WEAPONS - YES, TROOPS - STILL NO 
--------------------------------------------- 
 
¶2. (C) While the GoC has made relatively significant military 
contributions to operations in Afghanistan, with troop levels 
scheduled to reach 200 in 2007 and 300 in 2008, it has been 
politically unable to do the same in Iraq.  Strong public 
opposition to the war in Iraq has driven this issue, and with 
parliamentary elections scheduled for November, we believe it 
is counterproductive at this time to again press the GoC to 
change this policy. 
 
¶3. (C) The GoC made a significant offer to the NTM-I in 
November 2006, including 500 assault rifles, 100 
grenade-launchers and other weapons, as well as nine 
different training courses in Croatia for up to 67 Iraqi 
Security Forces personnel.  Courses range from military 
police and anti-terrorist operations to explosive detection 
and search and rescue activities for military dogs and 
handlers.  Post does not have information regarding NTM-I's 
acceptance of this request, but Post is confident that the 
GoC would follow through on this offer and could be pressed 
for more. 
 
¶4. (C) The GoC is preparing to extend police trainers at the 
JIPTC and has informally discussed sending correctional 
officers as additional trainers given the center's new focus. 
 The GoC has extended their trainers each time we have asked 
and would consider expanding their contribution, but would be 
unlikely to contribute to a training center on Iraqi soil. 
 
GOC MAKES MOST OF CIVILIAN CONTRIBUTIONS 
---------------------------------------- 
 
¶5. (C) The GoC has been extremely willing to support civilian 
initiatives related to Iraq, providing hospitalization to 
Iraqi children and hosting Iraqi parliamentarians in 
collaboration with the National Democratic Institute 
(septel).  The GoC has also offered its forensics expertise 
to the Iraqi government.  As the GoC moves forward with plans 
to open an embassy in Baghdad (security costs have stalled 
this effort for the moment), it will be increasingly well 
positioned to engage in the civilian sector. 
 
BRADTKE