US embassy cable - 05ZAGREB1142

UNCLAS ZAGREB 001142 
 
SIPDIS 
 
 
DEPT FOR PRM: TTARGOS 
DEPT FOR EUR/SCE: DROBINSON 
BELGRADE FOR DSALAZAR 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREF, HR, Refugee 
SUBJECT: Addendum Nomination for Ambassador's Refugee Fund 2005 
 
REF: (A) STATE 27113 (B) Zagreb 246 (C) Selinger-Targos email 
 
1. Post appreciates allocation of funds for two projects under PRM's 
 
DONJI LAPAC PLAYROOM (USD 5000) 
 
2. Background: The entire municipality of Lapac (354 square km, 2,300 
inhabitants) previously had no functioning kindergartens until the Re 
Red Crescent established a playroom in 2003.  The playroom is situate 
reconstructed building that was a destroyed high school.  In 2004, th 
Refugee Council (NRC) financed the playroom but will discontinue fund 
2005 for financial reasons.  The playroom has proven able to fill the 
proper kindergarten. 
 
Location Profile: Before the war, Donji Lapac was about 95% ethnic Se 
residents left during the coQlict and the region was severely destro 
region is now a mixed community: an estimated 75% of the population i 
Serb while the remaining 25% is ethnic Croat (mostly Bosnian Croat se 
 
Recipient: Croatian Red Cross' branch office would supervise. 
 
Project: As no kindergarten or playroom facility exists in the region 
facility serves as a valuable resource for the community.  Currently 
are enrolled - 20 Croats (from settler families) and 14 Serbs (from r 
families).  The playroom ethnic breakdown is the opposite to that of 
structure in the Lapac municipality due to the fact that most Serb re 
elderly and Bosnian Croat residents are usually young families. 
 
Use of Funds: Funds would cover a teacher's salary to work part-time 
daily), including pension and health contributions.  The current teac 
social worker and has received praise from previous donors.  The muni 
pays for utility costs. 
 
Public Diplomacy: Post would highlight its support for an underdevelo 
affected region. 
 
 
NOTE: SVC FOR RIGHT MARGIN CUTOFF 
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