The judiciary in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a 'captive system' that is under the control of political power centers, which is most directly evidenced by the absence of prosecution of high corruption and/or cases related to holders of political power. At the same time, the 'Judiciary Transparency Index' testifies to the high degree of closure of judicial institutions and the absence of a proactive relationship with the media as key channels of communication with citizens.This was highlighted ahead of the conference "Judiciary in BiH - situation and perspectives", which is being held today in Sarajevo, organized by Transparency International in BiH (TIBiH) and the Balkan Research Network of BiH (BIRNBiH), with financial support of the European Union (EU).<h2>Rule of law</h2>Alfredo Strippoli, Head of the Department for the Rule of Law in the Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the EUSR, said on that occasion that an independent, professional, efficient and responsible judiciary is key to the functioning of the rule of law in the interest of all citizens of BiH.- In the Opinion of the European Commission on BiH's application for membership, the rule of law is placed at the center of priority reforms - Strippoli pointed out, calling on the authorities in BiH to additionally engage in the implementation of the necessary reforms implied by candidate status for EU membership, especially in the area rule of law.He assessed that it is high time for the authorities in BiH to "roll up their sleeves" and resolutely engage in the judicial reform process.<h2>List of priorities</h2>Among the priorities in this context, he included the passing of the law on the courts of BiH, amendments and additions, that is, the new law on the HJPC of BiH in accordance with European standards, and he especially emphasized the imperative - of intensifying the fight against corruption and organized crime.Strippoli, at the same time, warned that the number of final convictions for high corruption is alarmingly low, and that, as he notes, legal lapses are accompanied by an extremely mild penal policy.The President of the TI BiH Board of Directors, Srđan Blagovčanin, reminded that this association has been warning for a long time about the deterioration of the situation in terms of ubiquitous corruption in BiH, and about a kind of 'capture of the judiciary', which is under strong political influence.He is of the opinion that the improvement of the situation in the judiciary, and above all the integrity of the judicial system, is a key step for creating assumptions for the fight against corruption.<h2>Non-transparency issues</h2>Blagovčanin assessed that the non-transparency of judicial institutions in BiH also represents a serious problem, reminding that TIBiH faces systemic obstructions in its work in terms of (dis)allowing access to information, and in which context he pointed out the Prosecutor's Office of BiH as a particularly negative example, undermines confidence in the work and credibility of the judiciary.- Information on pre-signed cases was not submitted at the request of TIBiH, and we are witnesses that in the previous period, the issue of pre-signing was disputed and that disciplinary proceedings were conducted against the previous chief prosecutor due to such practices - said Blagovčanin in support of the latter claim.The BIRN BiH Executive Director Denis Džidić told journalists that the conference, dedicated to the state and perspectives of the judiciary in BiH, comes at the end of a two-year project implemented by TI BiH and BIRN BiH, which included the creation of the 'Judicial Transparency Index' database.- We mapped all the courts and prosecutor's offices in Bosnia and Herzegovina and created a methodology according to which we will test and rank which prosecutor's offices and courts are the most open, that is, the most closed - he explained.<h2>Media freedom</h2>He added that four parameters are being tested in this regard - the number of posts on the official websites of judicial institutions and how they respond to media inquiries, and inquiries under the Law on Freedom of Access to Information, i.e. how they respond to citizens when they request any type of information.- The results are devastating. Our data shows that 90 percent of prosecutor's offices in BiH do not have any information about criminal cases on their websites. Half of the courts, or 50 percent of them, completely ignored media inquiries, and 42 percent of all courts and prosecutor's offices violated the legal deadline of 15 days to respond to an inquiry under the Law on Freedom of Access to Information. At the same time, 55 percent of the courts in Bosnia and Herzegovina do not publish information on first-instance verdicts - underlined Džidić.At the conference, as announced, an online platform named 'Index of Justice' will be presented, which contains the results of the transparency index of courts and prosecutor's offices in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as information on cases of corruption and organized crime, as well as information on disciplinary procedures that are the subject of monitoring of TI BiH and BIRN within the project "Improving accountability through strengthening civil society networks - SANCUS".

At the conference, as announced, an online platform named 'Index of Justice' will be presented

Strippoli: Rule of law at the center of priority reforms in the European integration process of BiH

Re-exhumation and re-association of previously buried victims of the genocide committed in the area of Srebrenica in 1995 have begun today in the cemetery of the Srebrenica Memorial Center - Potočari, by order of the BiH Prosecutor's Office.Spokesperson of the Missing Persons Institute of BiH, Emza Fazlić, told FENA that in the coming days, until July 19, 71 graves will be 'opened' again, in order to re-associate the remains of the previously buried victims that were identified after their burial.In many cases, the re-association of the remains will be attended by the families of the victims, upon whose approval and with whose consent the exhumation is carried out, and the entire procedure will last seven days. Eleven re-exhumations have already been carried out and 12 more graves will be 'opened' today.When it comes to the re-exhumations that are being carried out this year, they are mostly the remains of victims who were exhumed from mass graves in Kamenica, and who were identified after an audit was carried out in morgues in BiH.A total of 985 exhumations have been carried out so far in the Potočari Memorial Center and with these 71, that number will exceed one thousand.

Graves will be 'opened' again, in order to re-associate the remains of the previously buried victims that were identified after their burial

Re-exhumation of the remains of victims of genocide begins in Srebrenica

Once a week, a meeting of the joint African swine fever disease control center is organized, where reports on new positive cases are presented and further activities are planned, told FENA the head of the Department for Animal Health Protection in the Veterinary Sector of the FBiH Ministry of Agriculture, Water Management and Forestry Marijo Vrebac. He adds that the arrival of an expert team from the World Organization for Animal Health (World Organization for Animal Health - WOAH), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN - FAO and the European Commission is planned for this week, which will review the entire situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and possibly give suggestions and guidelines for further activities.Vrebac reminded that the Ministry of Agriculture, Water Management and Forestry has so far not received any reports of suspected African swine fever in the territory of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, while, considering the spread of the disease in the entity of Republika Srpska, the most threatened is the Posavina Canton whose representatives of the veterinary stations and veterinary inspectors in daily contact with the Veterinary sector of the Ministry.&nbsp;

Ministry of Agriculture, Water Management and Forestry has so far not received any reports of suspected African swine fever in the Federation

Expert team of WOAH, FAO and European Commission arriving in BiH because of African swine fever

Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Johann Sattler, and Managing Director for Europe at EU External Affairs Service, Angelina Eichhorst, met today in Sarajevo with officials from the state and entity levels of government and discussed the political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and its path to the EU.After the meeting, the Prime Minister of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the President of the Social Democratic Party of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Nermin Nikšić, assessed that they had a fair conversation with EU representatives today.He says that the participants of the meeting agreed to prepare an action plan at the team level, that is, the implementation of 14 priorities from the Opinion of the European Union on the application of Bosnia and Herzegovina for EU membership.- Eichhorst is satisfied that we discussed this topic and that we are ready to resolve the situation. They are very interested in BiH and say that they believe in our country. They also want the progress and momentum we had at the beginning to continue, so that we have a positive climate and a positive response from their side. It is up to us to keep it now - Nikšić pointed out to the journalists.Speaking about the political situation in the country, he emphasized that at the meeting the position was expressed that "we still have an attack on the constitutional order in Bosnia and Herzegovina".- We cannot pretend to be dead and agree on things as if nothing is happening in Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, we opened up some topics and realized that this is not going anywhere, and in the end, we all together sought some relations with the international community, especially the EU when it comes to BiH and some kind of, I can't say privileged status, but concrete conditions that would have to be fulfilled in order to acquire the status of an EU member according to some privileged criteria - said Nikšić.This meeting was held as part of Eichhorst's visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, where the current political crisis is caused by the dangerous and secessionist policies of Milorad Dodik and his partners in power.

Speaking about the political situation in the country, he emphasized that "we still have an attack on the constitutional order in B&H"

Nikšić: It is now up to us to maintain the positive attitude of the EU towards BiH

Bosnia and Herzegovina has registered 566,207 tourist visits in the period January - May 2023, which is 23.3 percent more compared to the same period in 2022.In the period January – May, BiH registered 1,202,826 overnight stays, which is 20.2 percent more compared to the same period in 2022.<h2>Overnight stays</h2>The number of overnight stays by domestic tourists in that period was 3.4 percent lower, while the number of overnight stays by foreign tourists was 36.6 percent higher compared to the same period in 2022.In the total number of overnight stays, the participation of domestic tourists was 33 percent, while the participation of foreign tourists was 67 percent.As a comparison, in the period January - May 2019, the year before the outbreak of the pandemic, tourists made 534,642 visits, which was7.8 percent more, and 1,105,310 overnight stays, which was 8.8 percent more compared to the same period in 2018.<h2>Higher number</h2>The number of tourists in the five months of this year is higher by 31,565 compared to the same period in 2019, which was a record until then, while the number of overnight stays is higher by 97,516.In terms of overnight stays by foreign tourists, the most overnight stays in the period January – May this year were realized by tourists from Croatia (21.9 percent), Serbia (17.8 percent), Slovenia (8.9 percent), Turkey (5.9 percent), Germany (4.3 percent), Montenegro (3.6 percent), which is a total of 65.4 percent.Tourists from other countries accounted for 34.6 percent of overnight stays.

In the period January – May, BiH registered 1,202,826 overnight stays, which is 20.2 percent more compared to the same period in 2022

More than 560,000 tourists visited BiH in the period January - May

The aggression against Bosnia and Herzegovina, the genocide in Srebrenica, the siege of Sarajevo, and other events during the war are not incorporated into the education system, and it is necessary to work on the content, based on relevant facts, on which students will be able to make their judgment about it.This was said at the 'Genocide in Srebrenica: From Courtroom to Classroom' conference on the facts established before the Tribunal/Mechanism and their use in education, which the Information Program for Affected Communities of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Courts organized in cooperation with Sarajevo Canton Memorial Fund and the Center for Post-Conflict Research.<h2>New framework</h2>Director of the Sarajevo Canton Memorial Fund, Ahmed Kulanić, said that this conference aims to offer a new framework for studying and dealing with the past in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the war in an objective way, with judicially determined facts and court rulings.- In this way, we want to offer a new platform to students who will be able to look at the past objectively and make their judgment about it - he pointed out.Kada Hotić, President of the Movement "Mothers of Srebrenica and Žepa Enclaves", said that silence will not change anything.- If we talk about and give importance to the past in which people were murdered, suffered, persecuted, and raped, our youth would have no future - believes Hotić.She claims that history must be studied in the school curriculum to raise children to be fair and aware.<h2>Education system</h2>Rada Pejić-Sremac, a coordinator of the Mechanism Information Program for Affected Communities (MIP), pointed out that the conference aims to bring the work of their project closer together since they have been collaborating with teachers and professors of history from the area of the former Yugoslavia since 2019.As a result of this cooperation, she added, they managed to introduce court-established facts and exhibits before the Hague Tribunal into the classrooms of the former Yugoslavia.She added that their goal is to take this project to a new level and to show the general public what are the possibilities when it comes to judicially established facts and how they can be used in classrooms.The conference "Genocide in Srebrenica: From Courtroom to Classroom" was attended by representatives of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, educational institutions of the Sarajevo Canton, the European Association of History Educators, non-governmental organizations and international organizations.

Kada Hotić, President of the Movement "Mothers of Srebrenica and Žepa Enclaves", said that silence will not change anything

Conference on Srebrenica: Incorporating the truth about genocide into the education system

The Chief Prosecutor of the Prosecutor's Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Milanko Kajganić, met with the commander of EUFOR in BiH, Major General Helmut Habermayer and his associates.At the meeting, they discussed the cooperation of judicial institutions and international forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the process of strengthening the rule of law and the security of the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.The Prosecutor's Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina has good and long-term cooperation with international institutions and organizations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, involved in the process of the rule of law, which will continue in the future, announced the Prosecutor's Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Prosecutor's Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina has good and long-term cooperation with international institutions and organizations

Kajganić and Habermayer on cooperation between judicial institutions and international forces in BiH

One of the UN studies shows that the number of inhabitants in Bosnia and Herzegovina could fall to around 1.5 million in the next 50 years, as evidenced by current trends, increasingly frequent departures of entire families and young people, who should be the backbone of economic growth and development. According to another survey, of the 83,000 young people (population aged 15 to 30) who live in the Sarajevo Canton, more than 50 percent of them show an interest in leaving the country.This was highlighted today at the conference entitled 'Creating a Brighter Future for Young People in Sarajevo', which was organized in the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina by the Office of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in BiH in partnership with the Government of Sarajevo Canton and the Ministry of Science, Higher Education and Youth.<h2>Assumptions for youth</h2>The alarming indicators regarding depopulation, which is gaining momentum, and the need to stop these trends were the impetus for organizing a conference dedicated to young people with a focus on the situation and creating assumptions for better relations with young people in the Sarajevo Canton.The Resident Coordinator of the UN in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ingrid Macdonald, pointed out that the conference is dedicated to the drafting of the Sarajevo Canton Youth Strategy for the period 2024-2028, underlining the readiness of the UN to support its drafting together with UNFPA and in partnership with Kosovo.- We will focus on encouraging young people to become leaders and initiators of positive changes - said Macdonald in a statement to media.She reminded that the UN works with young people, not only in the Sarajevo Canton, but also throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina, and that in this regard, UNFPA is the initiator of the initiative - the Laboratory for Youth, Peace and Politics.<h2>Call for young people</h2>Macdonald called on all young people to raise their voices and actively participate in all processes, including various programs oriented towards the comprehensive engagement of members of that population in social and economic terms.The Prime Minister of the Sarajevo Canton, Nihad Uk, referring to the importance of the conference, stated that it is a new approach to the creation of strategic documents in the Sarajevo Canton and that the youth strategy is the most important document in this respect.In addition to expressing gratitude to the partners, Uk emphasized the need to create an environment in which young people will have better living conditions, and opportunities to advance and stay in the country, in contrast to the ever-present trend of young and educated people leaving BiH.<h2>Youth of Sarajevo</h2>Minister of Science, Higher Education and Youth Pavle Krstić pointed out the importance of creating, adopting and implementing a quality and effective strategy dedicated to the youth of the Sarajevo Canton, focusing on the field of education.Sajra Kustura, a young activist and member of the UN advisory committee for youth, said that the participation of young people is an integral part of the aforementioned strategy, stressing the need for more comprehensive information about the opportunities available to them.The conference "Creating a Brighter Future for Young People in Sarajevo" gathered decision-makers, representatives of the governmental and non-governmental sectors, and the academic community.The youth strategy aims to improve the quality of life of young people in Sarajevo Canton through a comprehensive plan and is aimed at meeting the real needs of young people and facilitating their growth and development through support mechanisms and various initiatives.The conference was realized within the framework of the United Nations regional initiative "Youth for Inclusion, Equality and Trust", which is financially supported by the Peacebuilding Fund of the UN Secretary-General.

83,000 young people (population aged 15 to 30) who live in the Sarajevo Canton, more than 50 percent of them show an interest in leaving the country

Macdonald: Encourage young people to become leaders and agents of positive change

The President of the Commission for Awards, Amir Karić, read the report and explanation of the Commission, emphasizing that Menachem Rosensaft is a friend of Bosnia and Herzegovina.- His contribution to the culture of memory and raising awareness of the genocide committed against Bosniaks in the UN-protected area of Srebrenica is immeasurable, he is recognized in academic and political circles around the world and represents significant support for all people whose lives and dignity are affected by such actions - stated Karić.<h2>Raising awareness</h2>He added that Rosensaft is a man who, with his integrity, knowledge and experience, contributed to raising awareness about the Holocaust and the genocide against Bosniaks in Srebrenica through the fight against the denial and minimization of those crimes and the fight against the impunity of criminals.- As a descendant of survivors of the horrors of the Holocaust, he directed all his capacity towards building peace and reminding about the truth and facts about mass crimes. His contribution to the fight against the denial of the genocide against Bosniaks in the UN-protected area of Srebrenica, against the glorification of criminals and the falsification of facts about the events during the 1992-1995 aggression against the RBiH - said Karić.<h2>Subject of genocide</h2>Rosensaft, he added, significantly contributed to the culture of remembrance of genocide and other war crimes in BiH by giving a voice to the victims' families on important world platforms. His academic work through lectures on genocide at the world's most prestigious universities are only part of his commitment to the subject of genocide and crimes against humanity.- He also provided support for the activities of the Srebrenica Memorial Center and significantly contributed to the organization of the joint conference held on July 10 this year with the World Jewish Congress - said Karić.<h2>Education</h2>Receiving the recognition, Rosensaft said that it was an extraordinary honor for him to receive this doctorate, especially from the Faculty of Law of the University of Tuzla.- Allow me first to say a few words. I want to congratulate all the PHDs who are receiving their degree today and to congratulate you on your accomplishments and wish you much success in the future.Education is critical for our future. But it is also a critical element of what we are here to remember. Let us remember that education and degrees can be sources for the good but they can also be, and are too often, sources and inspiration for evil - he said.He recalled that during the years of the Holocaust, the SS Division had among its ranks a disproportionate number of doctors of science and doctors of law from universities such as Heidelberg, who misused their education, misused their degrees, their capacities and abilities to commit unspeakable horrors.- And let's remember that among those who were responsible for allowing the horrors of Srebrenica to occur, for allowing the horrors of Foča to occur, were individuals sitting in government offices, directing it from afar, who held degrees from universities and who were hiding behind the titles of doctors - said Rosensaft.<h2>28 years anniversary</h2>He stated that the University of Tuzla was established in 1976. That was nineteen years before what happened in Srebrenica. It has now been 28 years.- We have to remember that we are not necessarily able to control the events that are befalling us. We have to remember that it is up to us collectively, it is up to you who are receiving your PhDs today to make sure that two things happen. First, that what happened in Srebrenica never happen again and that you make sure that when the first signs of bigotry, the first signs of discrimination, the first signs of Islamophobia, or the first signs of antisemitism occur, you speak out and you make sure that everyone around you speaks out.Because, Srebrenica did not begin on July 11, 1995. It began when individuals started talking about victories over those that are different, it started when people started talking about the other, it started when people started saying that they were superior to others - said Rosensaft.- I stand here today as the son of two survivors of Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen concentration camps, as the Dean has mentioned. It was the same then - he underlined. <h2>Holocaust</h2>What happened in Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen did not start with the gas chambers. It didn't start with the murders. It started with words. It started with discrimination. It started when society accepted that one group was treated as inferior to another. It started when it became possible to say: Jews are less valuable than us. Roma are less valuable than us.Jasenovac was created when the Ustasha felt free to call Serbs, Jews and Roma inferior. And we must make sure that such education permutes. - I would like to make a suggestion, if I may. I believe that it is important that education not takes place only and exclusively in the hall of academia.Here in Bosnia and Herzegovina, you have a gem, you have a jewel. It is the Srebrenica Memorial Center that my friend, Dr. Emir Suljagić has created. It is an incredible, world-class institution on the level of any institution of this kind that I have seen anywhere in the United States, in Germany, or in Israel.Let me recommend that all students, undergraduate, graduate, Ph.D. students, engineering, law, or literature students, spend at least one or two days a year and have their classes at the Srebrenica Memorial Center and be able to understand there when they see the walls, the space, where individuals, the Bosniaks were being held prisoners when they can come out and see the cemetery across and understand why we are here on this Earth, what our obligation is and make the Srebrenica Memorial Center an intricate part of education that is coming from here, and hopefully, that can be emulated at other universities and schools - said Rosensaft. <h2>Knowledge of Srebrenica</h2>He underlined that it is only when the knowledge of Srebrenica becomes a part of our inside, not just academic, intellectual knowledge, but a knowledge of something that we feel, that we have a hope of changing the trajectory on which the world very often finds itself, and we have a hope of standing against those forces that want to return us to the days when Srebrenica was not only a possibility but reality.- Again, Rector, Dean, members of the faculty, ministers, ladies and gentlemen, I am deeply grateful for this incredible honor and I am very humbled by it. Thank you very much - concluded in his speech Menachem Rosensaft.Menachem Rosensaft was born on May 1, 1948, in the Bergen-Belsen displaced persons camp in Germany. He is the child of parents who survived the Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen concentration camps. He received his master's degree at Johns Hopkins University in 1971 in the creative writing program, where he previously completed his undergraduate studies. He obtained his second master's degree at the Department of Modern European History at Columbia University in the USA in 1975.He obtained his Ph.D. at the Faculty of Law of Columbia University in 1979. He is the chairman and founder of the International Network of Children of Jewish Holocaust Survivors and was the chairman of the editorial board of the Holocaust Survivors Memoirs Project. He is also the president of the American Association of Jewish Holocaust Survivors and Their Descendants and the honorary president of the Park Avenue Synagogue in Manhattan, New York.

 The honorary doctorate of the University of Tuzla was awarded today to Menachem Rosensaft, the Vice-President of the World Jewish Congress

Rosensaft: Genocide began when individuals started talking about victories over the other

About 350 exhibitors are expected at the jubilee 50th International Fair of Agriculture and Food Industry - the Plum Fair in Gradačac, which will be held from August 23 to 26, it was announced today at a press conference in the premises of the Foreign Trade Chamber of BiH in Sarajevo.Ensar Mešanović, head of the Tourist Office of the Tourism Board of Gradačac, which organizes the fair, said that the exhibitors come from six countries - primarily Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, France, Croatia, Serbia and Turkey.<h2>Divided into units</h2>He explained that the space at the Fair will be divided into units for agricultural production, food processing industry, and agricultural machinery and equipment.- We are proud to say that the Plum Fair is an economic and tourist event and our best tourist product, and this year we also have the 6th Beekeeping Fair "Pčela" Gradačac - said Mešanović.FBiH Minister of Agriculture, Water Management and Forestry Kemal Hrnjić pointed out that the ministry will continue to support such events because events such as fairs should gain more importance.<h2>Invitation for companies</h2>He invited the largest companies in the food industry in BiH to participate in the Plum Fair in Gradačac, but also in all other BiH cities that organize fair events.Mayor of Gradačac, Edis Dervišagić, emphasized that the Plum Fair is more than just a fair and that it represents a celebration for all citizens and visitors to enjoy.The organizers announced a rich cultural and artistic program during the fair.

FBiH Minister of Agriculture, Water Management and Forestry Kemal Hrnjić pointed out that the ministry will continue to support such events

Ensar Mešanović, head of the Tourist Office of the Tourism Board of Gradačac

About 350 exhibitors from six countries are expected at the 50th Gradačac Plum Fair

Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina Denis Zvizdić met with the delegation of the Consultative Assembly of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia led by Khalid bin Muhammad Al-Buwardi. He informed them about the current economic and political situation, as well as the main foreign policy priorities of BiH.The two sides agreed that the bilateral relations between the two countries are extremely good and friendly.They emphasized the importance of improving parliamentary cooperation.Zvizdić and Al-Buwardi agreed that in the coming period, they should continue to work intensively on improving cooperation between the two countries in all fields, especially in the fields of economy, agriculture, industry, culture, education, tourism, etc.Zvizdić expressed his gratitude that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia always has its own delegation on July 11, the anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica and that a binding order was given to commemorate that day appropriately throughout the country.

The two sides agreed that the bilateral relations between the two countries are extremely good and friendly

Zvizdić speaks with the delegation of the Consultative Assembly of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The Chair of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Borjana Krišto, spoke today in Sarajevo with the Head of the EBRD Office for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Manuela Naessl, about improving cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).Krišto expressed her gratitude to the EBRD for its continuous support to Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially for the construction of infrastructure projects key to the integration of Bosnia and Herzegovina into the regional communication infrastructure. She confirmed the strong European commitment of the BiH Council of Ministers and emphasized that European integration has no alternative for our country.<h2>Future focus</h2>She said that it is time to turn around and focus on the future and that continuous dialogue and cooperation is the only way that brings peace, stability and improvement not only for BiH but also for the entire region.She added that she sees the EBRD as one of the key partners in these processes, whose project results are visible throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina.<h2>Investments in BiH</h2>During the meeting, they discussed the realization of previous projects and investment plans for the next period in the areas of inclusive growth, building and strengthening the capacity of the private sector, strengthening the competitiveness of state-owned enterprises, building infrastructure and energy, energy efficiency and strengthening the so-called green economy.Krišto pointed out that the EBRD, with almost three billion euros invested in BiH, is one of the most important partners in the construction and reconstruction of the country, and added that the institutions of BiH will continue to work on intensifying cooperation, the Council of Ministers of BiH announced.

Krišto pointed out that the EBRD, with almost three billion euros invested in BiH

Krišto - Naessl: Strengthen the cooperation between BiH and EBRD

A member of the BiH Presidency, Denis Bećirović, spoke today in London with the British Minister of Foreign Affairs, Commonwealth and Development, James Cleverly, and the British Prime Minister's Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, Stuart Peach, about the actions of the entity of RS that threaten the Dayton Peace Agreement and the constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina.Bećirović pointed out the danger of destabilization of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region due to the dangerous anti-Dayton activities of the authorities of the RS.A member of the BiH Presidency emphasized that the statement that the actions of the RS entity are primarily a security, not a political problem, proved to be correct, and he once again urged that the president of the RS entity should be removed from office before he causes destabilization of the country and the region.- It is better to remove Milorad Dodik than to allow his politics to existentially threaten the citizens and peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina - said Bećirović.He also emphasized that it is extremely important that a world superpower like Great Britain stands firmly by Bosnia and Herzegovina and its citizens.Cleverley stated that the UK's interest was to preserve peace and respect for the Dayton Peace Agreement.He pointed out that his country's commitment to democratic forces and the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina is unquestionable and that Great Britain will take additional steps towards stabilizing the situation in this part of Europe.Peach emphasized that Great Britain, as a witness to the Dayton Peace Agreement, is an ally of Bosnia and Herzegovina and announced that it will continue to support the preservation of independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Bećirović pointed out the danger of destabilization of B&H and the region due to the dangerous anti-Dayton activities of authorities of the RS

Bećirović in London: Dodik should be removed from office before he causes a conflict

HDZ and HNS BiH President Dragan Čović met in Mostar with the US Ambassador to BiH Michael Murphy, with whom he discussed the current political situation in BiH.Čović wrote on his on Twitter that he had a constructive conversation with the US Ambassador, as always.- We discussed the current political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and efforts to achieve broad and sustainable progress. Our closest partnership with the USA remains crucial for our path towards the EU and NATO - Čović said.

Čović wrote on his on Twitter that he had a constructive conversation with the US Ambassador

Čović and Murphy discuss current political situation in BiH

Two migrants attacked a bus driver and injured him with a knife in Mostar on Monday. As stated in a press release from the Ministry of the Interior of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, the attack took place at 18:15 at the main bus station.- At the site of the incident, the police officers find the bus driver who had a visible injury in the area of his right leg. He stated that two migrants entered the bus and when he told them to get off the bus, one of them took out a small knife from his pocket and injured him in the leg. After that, they ran away - the MoI stated.After checking the area and conducting operational work, police officers found people matching the description of the perpetrators in the courtyard of a mosque. They found a folding knife in their possession. The two individuals have been detained and will be subject to a criminal investigation, and the prosecutor has been informed about the incident.&nbsp;

After checking the area and conducting operational work, police officers found people matching the description of the perpetrators in the courtyard of

Two migrants injured a bus driver in Mostar with a pocket knife

After the general elections on October 2 last year, the authorities in BiH showed positive momentum in the executive and legislative branches of government. Now both governments, both in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and in the Republika Srpska, are appointed and functional, said the high representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina Christian Schmidt in his report, covering the period from October 16, 2022 to April 15, 2023, before the Council security of the United Nations. Russia expressed dissatisfaction with the presence of Christian Schmidt, the high representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, at the meeting. However, Russia failed to block Schmidt's address at the meeting, which took place today.Tensions have arisen because Russia believes that Schmidt has no right to speak on behalf of the international community. Instead, they argue that Schmidt's role is limited to his personal opinion.In his report, the high representative said that the full implementation of the Dayton Agreement requires the functionality of the government as one of the key factors. The process of creating a functional government of Bosnia and Herzegovina reached a critical point when the country received the status of a candidate for accession to the European Union on December 15 last year, which was met with great approval by the population.However, the government in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina was paralyzed due to a deadlock in the parliament. This was partially resolved by decisions made in October and April. This decision led to relief and improvement in the functioning of the authorities in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.Overall, all these positive changes in Bosnia and Herzegovina create a stimulating momentum for the successful implementation of the Dayton Agreement. A functional government with strong political and economic potential is essential for the development of Bosnia and Herzegovina and further approximation to the European Union.- The ultimate goal in the implementation of the Dayton Agreement is a stable and fully functional Federation. The Constitutional Court decided that my decisions are fully in accordance with the constitution - said Schmidt.One of the key challenges in the implementation of the Dayton Agreement is Republika Srpska. Developments in this entity show that Milorad Dodik openly advocated independence and even spoke publicly about how the RS could become part of Serbia.- The action plan for the secession of state property challenges the powers of the Constitutional Court and suspends decision-making at the state level. Calls for the police unit that would carry out the so-called monitoring the border between entities clearly endangers state institutions and undermines the unity of the country. Bosnia and Herzegovina must not become a country divided into authoritarianism in one entity and democracy in the other - says the high representative.According to him, Bosnia and Herzegovina is the only post-Yugoslav state that has not yet resolved the issue of state property from the time of Yugoslavia. It is necessary to establish equal relations and functioning cooperation between both entities in order to ensure the unity of the state and progress on the way to the EU.- Authorities in the entities ignore binding decisions, trying to regulate issues in their own way. An example of this is the law on immovable state property, which I suspended in Ferbuar. International partners must continue to react with a unified approach - said Schmidt.He reminded that Serbia and Croatia fully respect the integrity and sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He also thanked EUFOR, which is a necessary tool in preserving peace and stability in the country.Despite all the challenges, economic growth continues in Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, genocide denial and the lack of prosecution of war criminals remain major problems. Reconciliation and recognition of the past are necessary steps for the transition from the post-war period to a progressive society.- I am glad that Mostar changed the names of the streets that bore the names of members of the Ustasha regime and renamed them to other names - said Schmidt.When it comes to prosecuting war criminals, Bosnia and Herzegovina is the most advanced in the region, but it needs the full support of the international community. War criminals must be entered into national registers.The diversity of the constituent nations must be respected, but space must also be created for those who do not feel they are members of the constituent nations, especially young people who are leaving the country in record numbers. When asked for reasons, they cite nepotism and corruption.- The participation of women in politics is very low, but since October it is slightly higher and amounts to around 20 percent. I call on political leaders to initiate constitutional and legal reforms in order to introduce new legislation against discrimination, in accordance with Annex 4 of the Dayton Agreement - said Schmidt.During his speech, he also highlighted the issue of discrimination faced by minorities, especially the Roma community, in terms of employment, health care and education.- I reminded everyone that the reis-ul-ulema of the Islamic community in Bosnia and Herzegovina is actively involved in inter-religious dialogue, which is crucial for promoting understanding and tolerance between different communities. We must fulfill the promise we made to BiH in 1995 that such crimes will never happen again - he stated.He also emphasized that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of BiH are not subject to negotiation, and that there can be no borders within the country.Despite all the challenges, economic growth continues in Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, genocide denial and the lack of prosecution of war criminals remain major problems. Reconciliation and recognition of the past are necessary steps for the transition from the post-war period to a progressive society.- I am glad that Mostar changed the names of the streets that bore the names of members of the Ustasha regime and renamed them to other names - said Schmidt.When it comes to prosecuting war criminals, Bosnia and Herzegovina is the most advanced in the region, but it needs the full support of the international community. War criminals must be entered into national registers.The diversity of the constituent nations must be respected, but space must also be created for those who do not feel they are members of the constituent nations, especially young people who are leaving the country in record numbers. When asked for reasons, they cite nepotism and corruption.- The participation of women in politics is very low, but since October it has been slightly higher and amounts to around 20 percent. I call on political leaders to initiate constitutional and legal reforms in order to introduce new legislation against discrimination, in accordance with Annex 4 of the Dayton Agreement - said Schmidt.During his speech, he also highlighted the issue of discrimination faced by minorities, especially the Roma community in terms of employment, health care and education.- I reminded everyone that the reis-ul-ulema of the Islamic community in Bosnia and Herzegovina is actively involved in inter-religious dialogue, which is crucial for promoting understanding and tolerance between different communities. We must fulfill the promise we made to BiH in 1995 that such crimes will never happen again - he stated.He also emphasized that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of BiH are not subject to negotiation, and that there can be no borders within the country.- Despite the challenges, I remain optimistic about the future of BiH, especially with the younger generation that dedicates itself to building a better future. They understand that the progress of the country lies in their hands and their determination can bring the best momentum to this country. We must work together, regardless of ethnicity, religion or political affiliation, in order to build a stable, democratic and prosperous BiH - said Schmidt.

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News

Strippoli: Rule of law at the center of priority reforms in the European integration process of BiH

Re-exhumation of the remains of victims of genocide begins in Srebrenica

Expert team of WOAH, FAO and European Commission arriving in BiH because of African swine fever

Nikšić: It is now up to us to maintain the positive attitude of the EU towards BiH

More than 560,000 tourists visited BiH in the period January - May

Conference on Srebrenica: Incorporating the truth about genocide into the education system

Kajganić and Habermayer on cooperation between judicial institutions and international forces in BiH

Macdonald: Encourage young people to become leaders and agents of positive change

Rosensaft: Genocide began when individuals started talking about victories over the other

About 350 exhibitors from six countries are expected at the 50th Gradačac Plum Fair

Zvizdić speaks with the delegation of the Consultative Assembly of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Krišto - Naessl: Strengthen the cooperation between BiH and EBRD

Bećirović in London: Dodik should be removed from office before he causes a conflict

Čović and Murphy discuss current political situation in BiH

Two migrants injured a bus driver in Mostar with a pocket knife

Schmidt: BiH mustn't become divided into authoritarianism in one entity and democracy in other