Cablegate: Macedonia: Country Team Assessment for Procurment
VZCZCXYZ0001
PP RUEHWEB
DE RUEHSQ #0009/01 0061403
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 061403Z JAN 10
FM AMEMBASSY SKOPJE
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8803
INFO RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE
RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC
RUEHNO/USMISSION USNATO 3779
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC
RUEKDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC
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 XXXXXXXXXXXX
NAVRATIL