Wikileaks - DCXVIII
96089 2/9/2007 18:15 07BUCHAREST143 Embassy Bucharest CONFIDENTIAL VZCZCXRO3628 RR RUEHDBU RUEHFL RUEHKW RUEHLA RUEHROV RUEHSR DE RUEHBM #0143 0401815 ZNY CCCCC ZZH R 091815Z FEB 07 FM AMEMBASSY BUCHAREST TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 5993 INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE C O N F I D E N T I A L BUCHAREST 000143
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR EUR/NCE AARON JENSEN; ALSO FOR EUR/FO
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/08/2017 TAGS: MARR, MOPS, PREL, PGOV, RO SUBJECT: DRAFT PROPOSAL FOR A TRAINING CENTER FOR POST-CONFLICT AND CRISIS RECONSTRUCTION
Classified By: Acting Political Chief Chris Ellis for Reasons 1.4 (b) a nd (d).
1. (C) During a February 7 meeting to discuss Afghanistan, Kosovo and GAERC issues (septel), MFA Political Director Ovidiu Dranga shared a draft concept paper for creating a European Training Center for Post-Conflict and Post-Crisis Reconstruction (ETCPR). Dranga believes the ETCPR addresses a gap in NATO and EU operations -- which the GOR believes should be more closely collaborative, especially in the Civil-Military Affairs arena. Developing a join NATO-EU capacity in Post-Conflict Reconstruction is also a significant component within GORs National Security Strategy goals.
2. (SBU) The GOR's goal is to develop a pool of post-conflict reconstruction experts that could be deployed to operate within the operational framework of NATO, EU, UN, OSCE or other relevant institution. The objectives are to develop a framework for sharing expertise and best practices; create new multi-disciplinary procedures and a post-conflict reconstruction doctrine; improve interoperability among "first responders" in a post-conflict environment; improve training, planning and implementing methodologies; identify training shortfalls and priorities; and provide a venue for lessons learned from stabilization and reconstruction operations. The curriculum would include courses in security, legal issues, peace and economic development, democracy and good governance, among a broad multi-disciplinary skill base. The Center would offer courses, conferences, seminars, publications, research opportunities, gaming, and field study. The concept aims to graduate annually 300 participants, and would draw on an international pool of professors and trainers from countries that "boast a wide experience in the field of post-conflict/crisis reconstruction (e.g., former-leaders with experience in KFOR, ISAF, UNMIK, EUFOR, etc.). The GOR estimates the annual budget at 3 million Euros, to be provided by the host nation, participating countries, NGOs, international and regional organizations (World Bank, etc.), and international business community among others. "Romania is ready to consider providing accommodations facilities, administrative support and consumer logistics to the center in a location and under specific conditions to be determined following consultations with interested partners and potential contributors," the draft concludes.
3. (C) Comment: The ETCPR concept (entire text emailed to EUR/NCE, EUR/RPM, and EUR/ERA) has been floated informally by Dranga for several weeks around the circuit, but this is the first time the whole concept is on paper. Dranga would like to receive reactions from the US (he mentioned PDAS Volker by name) and UK before the GOR circulates the concept widely at the EU. There seems to be some useful ideas here, but the concept -- if it is to be developed further -- would definitely need to be deconflicted with other similar initiatives and training centers. It may have a difficult time getting broader buy-in from within the EU itself. End comment. TAUBMAN
