US embassy cable - 05PRAGUE1004

C O N F I D E N T I A L PRAGUE 001004 
 
SIPDIS 
 
EUCOM FOR ECJ4/ECJ5 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/01/2015 
TAGS: MASS, MOPS, PREL, EZ, GG, RU 
SUBJECT: CZECHS REPORT RUSSIAN PROTEST OVER DONATION TO 
GEORGIAN SECURITY AND STABILITY OPERATION 
 
 
Classified By: Acting DCM Michael Dodman for reasons 1.4 b+d. 
 
1. (U) Action request:  see para 4. 
 
2. (C) Czech MOD Director of Security Policy Borkovec told 
DATT on July 1 that the Russians had formally protested the 
planned Czech donation of small arms and grenades to the 
EUCOM-led Georgia Security and Stability Operations.  The 
Russian MOD on June 30 called in the Czech DATT with the 
complaint that (a) the planned donation is being made to an 
area of instability, and (b) the ammunition is of Soviet 
origin and the Czechs do not have the right to export it to a 
third party. 
 
3. (C) Czech MOD and MFA officials dismissed the second as 
"ridiculous" stating that nearly all of the ammunition is of 
Czech origin.  However, they seek USG guidance about how to 
respond to the Russians. 
 
4.  (C) Action request:  The GOCR is aware that this donation 
is time-sensitive.  Request guidance from Washington agencies 
to respond to the Czechs' query, including keeping us 
informed on any direct USG response to the GOR.  Be advised 
that Czech government offices will be closed for national 
holidays July 5-6. 
CABANISS