Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina Holds Its 151st Session

The Council of Ministers of B-H defined a Proposal Decision for negotiations for conclusion of an Agreement between the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Government of the Republic of Latvia on International Road Transport of Passengers and Goods. 

The proposer, Ministry of Transport and Communication, will provide the Proposal Basics for negotiations to the Presidency of B-H for further procedure, and Minister of Transport and Communications is proposed as B-H signatory of the Agreement.

The Council of Ministers of B-H defined Proposal Basics for Accession to an Open Partial Agreement on Prevention, Protection and Assistance in Major Natural and Technological Catastrophes. 

The proposer, Ministry of Security, will provide the Proposal Basics to the Presidency of B-H for further procedure, with a proposal for an authorisation of Minister of Foreign Affairs to send a Note Verbale on Acceptance of the Agreement.

The Council of Ministers of B-H defined Proposal Basics for conclusion of a Loan Agreement between the Kingdom of Spain, represented by the Office of Credit Institute, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, represented by the Ministry of Finance and Treasury. 

The proposer, Ministry of Finance and Treasury will provide the Proposal Basics to the Presidency of B-H for further procedure, and Minister of Finance and Treasury is proposed as B-H signatory of the Agreement.

The Council of Ministers of B-H did not come out on Draft Basics for conclusion of the Amendment No. 1 of the Finance Contract between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Investment Bank, signed on Dec. 22, 2006 in Sarajevo and on Jan. 8, 2010 in Luxembourg for Power Reconstruction II Project (FIN.No,23.871).

The Council of Ministers of B-H defined Proposal Basics for conclusion of an Amendment of the Finance Agreement between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the International Development Association (IDA) for the Energy Community in South-East Europe Programme – ESCEE Project (loan No. 4197-BOS).

The proposer, Ministry of Transport and Communication will provide the Proposal Basics to the Presidency of B-H for further procedure, and Minister of Transport and Communications is proposed as B-H signatory of the Amendment of the Agreement.

The Council of Ministers of B-H defined individual Proposal Decisions on Ratification of Conventions and Agreements, as follows:  

-          Proposal Decision on Ratification of Convention between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Austria on Double Taxation Avoidance in Respect to Income and Property Tax; and

-          Proposal Decision on Ratification of an Agreement between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Kingdom of Spain on Cooperation in Fight against Crime, Especially Terrorism, Illicit Trade with Narcotics and Organised Crime.

The proposer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will provide the Proposal Decisions to the Presidency of B-H for adoption.

The Council of Ministers of B-H considered and accepted an Initiative for negotiations for conclusion of a Finance Contract between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Investment Bank – Emergency Aid and Flood Protection, Phase I.

In that regard, a negotiating team was designated as follows:

-          Minister of Finance and Treasury or authorised persons – head of negotiating team;

-          Minister of Finance of Republika Srpska, or authorised persons;

-          Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of Republika Srpska, or authorised persons

Following a completion of negotiations, the Ministry of Finance and Treasury will act pursuant to Article 39 paragraph (4) of the Law on Borrowing, Debt and Guarantees of Bosnia and Herzegovina (“Official Gazette of B-H”, Nos. 52/05 and 103/09) and will provide the Council of Ministers with Draft Basics and Proposal Financing Contract. 

Upon a proposal of the Ministry of Justice, the Council of Ministers of B-H took a Decision on Selection of Work Group for development of draft strategy for establishment of an incentive environment for civil society development in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Upon a proposal of the Ministry of Transport and Communications, the Council of Ministers of B-H took a Decision approving KM 20,000 reserve funds to be earmarked for development of project documentation for the business facility of the Regulatory Board of Railways of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Doboj.

Upon a proposal of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, the Council of Ministers of B-H took a Decision on granting its consent to a Study on Application of Methodology for Classification of Work Posts of Secondary Education Level into Salary Categories Provided for by the Law on Salaries and Reimbursements in Institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Upon a proposal of the Agency for Identification Documents, Evidence and Data Exchange, the Council of Ministers of B-H took a Decision on Segments of Personal Documents Issuance Relevant to Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Upon a proposal of the Agency for Identification Documents, Evidence and Data Exchange, the Council of Ministers of B-H took a Decision approving a Digital Tachographs Project, to be included into the Multi-Year Capital Investment Programme for 2011-2014.

The Council of Ministers of B-H considered and adopted Information of the Ministry of Security on Implementation of Monitoring of a Decision on Non-Visa Regime for Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European Union, from May 13, 2011.

In regard to that, the Agency for Prevention of Corruption and Coordination of Fight against Corruption is in charge to deliver to the Council of Ministers of B-H the following:

-          Proposal Rulebook on Internal Organisation of the Agency;

-          Information on Implementation of B-H Anti-Corruption Strategy Action Plan.

Also, the Ministry of Security is tasked to include Entity and Brčko District representatives, competent for police cooperation and anti-corruption, into the Work Group activities.

The Work Group is tasked to deliver to the Council of Ministers of B-H all its reports it delivers to the European Commission.

The Council of Ministers of B-H considered and adopted Information on the Security Status in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2010.

The Proposer, Ministry of Security, is in charge to deliver Information to the Parliamentarian Assembly of B-H.

The Council of Ministers of B-H considered and adopted Information on Public Debt of Bosnia and Herzegovina as at December 31, 2010.

The proposer, Ministry of Finance and Treasury, is in charge to deliver the document to the Parliamentarian Assembly for its information.

The Council of Ministers of B-H took note of Information of the Directorate for European Integrations on initiation of a process against Bosnia and Herzegovina because of violation of the Contact on Energy community.

The Council of Ministers of B-H took note of Information of the Directorate for European Integrations on a Three-Year Utilisation of IPA Funds and Annual IPA Programme for 2011 (Component I).

In regard to that, Ministries and other administrative bodies, are in charge, as proposers of the projects approved by European Commission for funding under IPA 2011, to prepare and attach DIPAK into project fishes as soon as possible.

The Council of Ministers of B-H considered and adopted Information of the Directorate for European Integrations on regional meeting of national IPA coordinators, held in Belgrade, on April 4, 2011, under a title “Securing Better Preparation for Future Membership in the EU – Proposal for Introduction of Principles of Linearization in IPA Funds Utilisation for Western Balkan Countries in the Next Financial Prospective 2014 - 2020”.

In regard to that, Head of the Directorate for European Integrations and National IPA Coordinator for B-H Nevenka Savić is authorised to sign a joint letter, on behalf of B-H, which would propose to the European Commission an introduction of linearization in utilisation of assistance for Western Balkans in the next financial prospective 2014-2020.

The Council of Ministers of B-H considered and adopted an Attachment of B-H Institutions to a Regular B-H Annual Progress Report in the European Integration process for period to Sep. 30, 2010.

In regard to that, the Directorate for European Integrations is in charge to translate the B-H Attachment and deliver it to the European Commission as early as possible.

B-H Institutions are in charge to deliver new information on progress to the Directorate, by Aug. 8, 2011, at latest, for the purpose of up-dating the Attachment of B-H Institutions.

The Council of Ministers of B-H is informed of a Decision of the Council of Europe No. 2011/146/ZVSP, of March 7, 2011, amending and supplementing the Decision No. 2010/145/ZVSP on Extension of Support Measures for an Effective Implementation of ICTY Mandate.

The Council of Ministers of B-H considered and adopted Information on Implementation of the National Action Plan of Fight against Misuse of Narcotics in Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2009-2013, with proposed recommendations, prepared by the Commission for Suppression of Misuse of Narcotics.

The Council of Ministers of B-H considered a Report on Implementation of the Kasindo Hospital Reconstruction Project in Eastern Sarajevo and on Funds Utilisation from HiPERB Project for Jan.-Dec. 2010, and concluded the following:

In 2009, Bosnia and Herzegovina fully secured planned co-finances for the Kasindo Reconstruction Project in amount of EUR 1,526,052.34, i.e. 45.73% of total planned investment, but the dynamics of project implementation is unjustifiably slow, which creates unnecessary additional costs.

As the programme is not being implemented in line with deadlines and procedures set forth in the Agreement on Five-Year Development Cooperation Programme between the Government of the Greek Republic and Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Council of Ministers requests the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to send a Note to the Greek Government asking for explanation for delays in obtaining project-related approvals. The Council of Ministers tasked the National Coordinator for HiPERB to provide all relevant data to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and offer assistance in preparation of the Note to be sent to the Greek Government.

Since the Greek Government failed to secure funds, provided for in the Agreement, for financing the Office of National Coordinator, the National Coordinator for HiPERB is in charge to reduce expanses to a minimum until a receipt from Greece an official confirmation of approval of tender documentation and payment of funds.

The Council of Ministers of B-H concluded that the fourth part of the document titled “Realisation of Full Functionality of the Building of Friendship” was not the subject of the Report on Implementation of the Kasindo Hospital Reconstruction Project, for which reason it was not considered by the Council of Ministers of B-H.

The Council of Ministers of B-H considered and adopted a Report on International Assistance for Agriculture, Nutrition and Rural Development Sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 20101 prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations.

The Council of Ministers of B-H considered and adopted a Report on results of operation of all free zones in Bosnia and Herzegovina for January 1- December 31, 2010.

In regard to that, the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations is in charge to continue monitoring free zones operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina and undertake all needed measures towards facilitating the compliance to legal provisions affecting the operation of free zones in B-H.

The Council of Ministers of B-H considered and adopted an Analysis of Foreign Trade Exchange of Bosnia and Herzegovina for 2010, prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations.

The Council of Ministers of B-H is informed Conclusive Considerations and Recommendations of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, submitted by all member-countries , pursuant to Article 12 paragraph (19 of the Facultative Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Child, which refers to trafficking with children, child prostitution and child pornography.

In that regard, the Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees of B-H is in charge to inform all-level relevant institutions in B-H of the Conclusive Considerations and Recommendations of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child.

The Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees of B-H is in charge to incorporate the UN Committee’s recommendations into the 2011-2014Action Plan for Children in B-H.

All competent institutions of the Federation of B-H, Republika Srpska and Brčko District are tasked to offer all needed support to the Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees aiming an adequate preparation of the next periodical report on two facultative protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The Council of Ministers of B-H adopted a Regulation on Amendment of the Regulation on Measures for Detection, Suppression and Termination of Swine Flue.

The Council of Ministers of B-H adopted a Regulation on Conditions To Be Fulfilled by Natural and Legal Persons for Trade with Pharmaceuticals.

Upon a proposal of the Agency for Food Security, the Council of Ministers of B-H adopted following individual regulations:

-          Regulation on egg products;

-          Regulation in cookies and similar products;

-          Regulation on Amendment of Regulation on beverages and similar products;

-          Regulation on coffee, surrogates and surrogate products;

-          Regulation on undesired substances in food for animals;

-          Regulation on food enriched by nutrients;

-          Regulation on food used in energy reduced food for reduction of body weight;

-          Regulation on food for special nutrition needs;

-          Regulation on dietary food for special medical purposes.

Upon a proposal of the Ministry of Justice of B-H, the Council of Ministers of B-H took a Decision on Amendment of Decision on Appointment of Appellation Committee, appointing Milan Zjajić for Committee member, instead of Slavica Vučić.

The Council of Ministers of B-H made a conclusion to propose Enes Rujanac and Sanjin Pandžić for members of the Committee for Selection of Head of the State Regulatory Agency for Radiation and Nuclear Safety, to the State Agency for Civil Service.

The Council of Ministers of B-H granted its consent to appointment of Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Klementsson as Military Attaché of the Kingdom of Sweden to Bosnia and Herzegovina, who will be seated in Belgrade.

The Council of Ministers of B-H granted its consent to appointment of Lieutenant-Colonel Dušan Valovisc as Military Attaché of the Republic of Slovakia to Bosnia and Herzegovina, who will be seated in Sarajevo.

The Council of Ministers of B-H granted its consent to appointment of Ian Kathner as Police Attaché of the Confederation of Switzerland to Bosnia and Herzegovina, who will be seated in Belgrade.

The Council of Ministers of B-H granted its consent to appointment of Aviation Colonel Sayed Arshad Ali Wastija as Military Attaché of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Bosnia and Herzegovina, who will be seated in Rome.

The Council of Ministers of B-H is informed of a notification of the Steering Board of the Centre for Information and Recognition of High Education Documents that a three-year mandate expires to one Bosniak and one Croat member of the Steering Board at Oct. 31, 2011.

In regard to that, the Ministry of Civil Affairs of B-H is in charge to initiate a procedure of selection and appointment of new members of the Steering Board, pursuant to the Law on Ministerial Appointments, Appointment of Council of Ministers and Other Appointments in Bosnia and Hezregovina (“Official Gazette of B-H”, No. 37703) and Decision on Criteria for Selection and Appointment of Members of Steering Board of the Centre for Information and Recognition of High Education Documents, taken by the Minister of Civil Affairs of B-H.

The Council of Ministers of B-H did not come out on a Proposal Decision on Appointment of Acting Manager of the Office for Harmonisation and Coordination of Payment System in Agriculture, Nutrition and Rural Development.

The Council of Ministers of B-H held a discussion on the vacant position of Manager of the Indirect Taxation Administration, but it postponed decision-making because of a need for additional consultations.

The Council of Ministers of B-H adopted Information of the Agency for Food Security on infant health risks that might be caused by exposal to bisphenol A from baby bottles.

The Agency for Food Security is in charge to issue an Order, in accordance with the Law on Food, to ban placing of baby-bottles containing bisphenole A to B-H market, starting at June 1, 2011.

This Order will be in force until a Regulation on Amendments and Supplements to the Regulation on Plastic Materials and Objects Intended for Contact with Food is adopted and published in the Official Gazette.

The Agency for Food Security is in charge to continue, in cooperation with the competent Entity and Brčko District authorities, development of the Regulation on Amendments and Supplements to the Regulation on Plastic Materials and Objects Intended for Contact with Food, and to submit its Pre-Draft to the Agency’s Managing Board for urgent consideration and approval, which would be sent afterwards to the Council of Ministers for adoption.

The Council of Ministers of B-H granted its consent to voting of citizens of the Republic of Macedonia in the premises of the Macedonian Embassy in Sarajevo, on the occasion of the extraordinary parliamentarian elections to be held on June 5, 2011.

The Council of Ministers of B-H granted its consent to voting of citizens of the Republic of Slovenia in the premises of the Slovenian Embassy in Sarajevo, on the occasion of the referendum to be held on June 5, 2011.

The Council of Ministers of B-H is informed of an application form for visa issuance for a delegation of UNMIK/Kosovo to Bosnia and Herzegovina for its participation at a meeting of CEFTA Sub-Committee for Technical and Non-Customs barriers, to be held in Sarajevo on June 2-3, 2011.  

In regard to that, and in compliance with the Conclusion from the 86th session of the Council of Ministers of May 7, 2009, taken in connection with a Position of the Presidency of B-H on the issue of legality of documents in possession of Kosovo citizens, the Council of Ministers authorises the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to issue entry visas at a separate sheet for two members of the delegation from Kosovo, indicated in the application, for their participation at the CEFTA meeting, to be held on June 2-3, 2011 for the period of the meeting.

The Secretariat General of the Council of Ministers is in charge to deliver the conclusion to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for further procedure.

The Council of Ministers of B-H adopted Information on SAA Structural Dialogue on Judiciary, scheduled for June 6-7, 2011 in Banja Luka.

The Council of Ministers of B-H is to grant its consent to agenda of the SAA Structural Dialogue on Judiciary.

The Structural Dialogue on Judiciary sill be chaired by the Minister of Justice of B-H Bariša Čolak.

(end)