VZCZCXRO5610
RR RUEHAST
DE RUEHBW #1117 1921518
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 111518Z JUL 06 ZDK
FM AMEMBASSY BELGRADE
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 8993
INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE

UNCLAS BELGRADE 001117 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV PREL MARR MASS SR
SUBJECT: Successful Step in Improving Military Cooperation 
 
 
¶1.  (U) Summary:  The visit of two USAF F-16s on June 22 
and 23 marked a new high point in the military relationship 
between the US and Serbia.  The extensive and 
overwhelmingly positive media coverage made the operation a 
success and demonstrates the effect that military 
cooperation can have on changing attitudes and perceptions 
for the better.  End Summary. 
 
¶2.  (U) The three-day JCTP event began on June 21 with the 
arrival of American maintenance, fuels, and security 
personnel to Batajnica Airfield to ensure the suitability 
of the location for the visiting aircraft and to provide 
hands-on demonstrations in their areas of expertise to 
their Serbian counterparts.  The F-16s left Aviano Air Base 
the following morning, and were met with two Serbian MiG 21 
aircraft at the border, as previously arranged, to be 
escorted to Batajnica.  Numerous media outlets covered the 
landings.  An official viewing followed on June 23 with 
guests including the US Ambassador and Serbian Minister of 
Defense, which saw strong media presence. 
 
¶3.  (U) The main purpose of this event was to publicize the 
ongoing cooperation of the two militaries and present both 
the American and the Serbian forces in a positive light. 
The overwhelmingly favorable media images resulting from 
the event made it a success.  The positive media response 
is particularly noteworthy considering the recent history 
of F-16s being involved in offensive operations in Serbia 
(and the fact that one of the pilots had taken part in the 
1999 NATO operations over Serbia).  Negative press coverage 
was mainly limited to remarks from radical politicians and 
one daily (Glas Javnosti), who referenced the incident of 
the young girl killed by an F-16 offensive during the NATO 
operations of 1999.  However, the prevalence of positive 
reporting outweighed the negative, and has hopefully done 
much to improve the image of the US military in Serbia. 
Due to memories of the NATO campaign of 1999, positive 
images of the US military in particular can play a key role 
in changing attitudes towards America. 
 
¶4.  (U) Comment:  Against the backdrop of the 1999 NATO 
campaign, military relations with the US are still somewhat 
touchy -- President Tadic reneged on an earlier agreement 
to take part in the public event, for instance. 
Nevertheless, the suprisingly positive media response 
highlights the especially good relations with the Serbian 
Air Force, with which we have the most constructive 
relations among the Serbian military (including high levels 
of willingness to share information).  We are hopeful that 
this visit and similar events will compel other military 
branches to be equally cooperative.  End comment. 
 
POLT