Minister Zirojevic received a letter from representatives of international institutions in BiH and US Ambassador to BiH in terms of legislation regulating export of arms and military equipment

 

As stated in the letter, the UN team in BiH, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Embassy of the United States, representing the Export Control and Border Security (EXBS) program, acknowledge the efforts of BiH Institutions in implementing the highest international standards in the field of export control standards in BiH, making sure the country is not a source of proliferation of weapons. They further emphasize their belief that continuous attention in this regard will strengthen BiH's reputation as a devoted and reliable partner...

The Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations, Mr. Mladen Zirojevic, on 30.4.2011, received a letter signed by two representatives of international institutions in BiH and US Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, in relation to legislation regulating export of arms and military equipment. The letter has also been forwarded to the BiH Presidency, the Chairman of the Council of Ministers, and to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Security and Defense Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

As stated in the letter, the UN team in BiH, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Embassy of the United States, representing the Export Control and Border Security (EXBS) program, acknowledge the efforts of BiH Institutions in implementing the highest international standards in the field of export control standards in BiH, making sure the country is not a source of proliferation of weapons. They further emphasize their belief that continuous attention in this regard will strengthen BiH's reputation as a devoted and reliable partner.

In continuation of the referred letter they stress their long-term support to help BiH in dealing with the risk of arms proliferation, speak of the ways of support for the institutions in terms of implementing the Decision of the BiH Presidency, report on their analyses and opinions, and give concrete proposals to improve the control procedures of import and export of arms and military equipment.

What is particularly important is that these three very important institutions offer further assistance to Bosnia and Herzegovina and its institutions in the implementation of the system of export control in accordance with international standards and to the extent BiH institutions deem necessary.

Further in the letter, an analysis of the existing provisions of laws is presented, and given full support to the proposals of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which support and further strengthen cooperation between the BiH institutions that participate in the licensing process, particularly the control system for end users and the purpose of final goods, as well as improving the inspection regime.

The submitted analysis highlights the need to revise provisions relating to licensing and brokering of arms and military equipment in the Law on Control of Trade in Goods and Services of Strategic Importance for Security in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in accordance with the evolving international standards.

As the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations, in accordance with the Decision of the BiH Presidency, and the conclusion of the Council of Ministers, formed a working group and in a previously defined period ended its work in terms of changing by-laws, which regulate the issue of licensing for export of arms and military equipment from BiH, it is undisputed that this letter will contribute significantly to the adoption of an adequate conclusion of the Council of Ministers, about which the BiH public will be informed in a timely manner.