Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina Holds Its 154th Session

Upon a proposal of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury of B-H, the Council of Ministers of B-H took a Decision on Temporary Financing of Institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina and International Obligations of Bosnia and Herzegovina for July-September 2011. 

Also, the Council of Ministers tasked all budget users to continue with savings on all current expenditures, especially entertainment, official trips, phone and similar costs.

The Council of Ministers of B-H defined a Proposal Agreement on Economic Cooperation between the Council of Ministers of B-H and Government of the Republic of Bulgaria, and adopted a Report on negotiations.

The proposer, Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations, will provide the Proposal Agreement to the Presidency of B-H for further procedure, the Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations is proposed as the B-H signatory of the Agreement.

The Council of Ministers of B-H defined proposal Basics for Accession to a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation and Support Concerning the Secretariat of the Convention on SEE Police Cooperation.

The proposer, Ministry of Security, will provide the Proposal Basics to the Presidency of B-H for further procedure.

The Council of Ministers of B-H postponed decision making on Draft Basics for negotiations for conclusion of an Agreement between FIFA and UEFA and the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Football Association of B-H for a Project of Construction of a Training Camp of the Football Association of B-H in Zenica, to be co-financed with FIFA and UEFA, until a receipt of an opinion both from the Ministry of Finance and Treasury of B-H and Ministry of Finance of Republika Srpska.

The Council of Ministers of B-H defined Proposal Basics for conclusion of a Financing Agreement between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Commission of the European Communities concerning multi-year Tempus Programme under IPA Component – Support to Transition and Institution Building for year 2010.

The proposer, Ministry of Finance and Treasury will provide the Proposal Basics to the Presidency of B-H for further procedure, and Head of the Directorate for European Integrations Nevenka Savić is proposed as the B-H signatory of the Agreement.

The Council of Ministers of B-H defined Proposal Basics for conclusion of a Protocol on Cooperation in Youth-Related Activities between the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Government of Canada.

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

The Council of Ministers of B-H defined individual decisions on ratification of the following international treaties:

- Proposal Decision on Ratification of an Agreement on Benefits and Immunities of the International Criminal Court;

- Proposal Decision on Ratification of a Declaration on Intent between the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the International Centre for Development of Migration Policy in Vienna;

- Proposal Decision on Ratification of a Loan Agreement between Bosnia and Herzegovina and OPEC Fund for International Development for Housing Reconstruction Project;

- Proposal Decision on Ratification of a Loan Agreement between Bosnia and Herzegovina, represented by the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, and UniCredit Austria AG Bank for financing of an Equipment and Service Provision Project for Two Hospitals in Sarajevo;

- Proposal Decision on Ratification of an Agreement between the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on Joint Conditions for Travel of Citizens;

- Proposal Decision on Ratification of a Financial Agreement between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Commission of European Communities referring to the State Programme (Part I) for 2008, under the instrument of Pre-Accession Assistance;

- Proposal Decision on Ratification of an Agreement between the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Government of the Republic of Germany on Financial Cooperation in Year 2009; and

- Proposal Decision on Ratification of a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Fight against Corruption through SEE Anti-Corruption Initiative.

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

The Council of Ministers of B-H   considered and accepted an Imitative for negotiations for conclusion of a Loan and Project Agreement between KfW, Farnkfurt am Main, and Bosnia and Herzegovina represented by the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, and Republika Srpska, represented by the Ministry of Finance of RS, and “Elektro-Doboj” (Implementing Agency) for EUR 50,000,000.00 for Hydro Power Plant Cijevna III.

In regard to that, the following delegation members were appointed:

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

-          Minister of Finance of Republika Srpska, or an authorised person,

-          Authorised representatives of the Loan beneficiary.

Following the 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”, No. 52/05) and will provide the Council of Ministers Draft Agreement and Basics for its conclusion.

Upon a proposal of the Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees, the Council of Ministers of B-H took a Decision on Appointing a Coordination Board for Supervision of the UNSCR 1325 Implementation Action Plan in Bosnia and Herzegovina for 2010-2013.

Upon a proposal of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations, the Council of Ministers of B-H took a Decision on Amendment of the Decision on Ban of Registration, Import and Trafficking with Active Matters and Phito-Pharmaceutical Items Containing Active Matters, the transfer and use of which are forbidden in Europe.

Upon a proposal of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations, the Council of Ministers of B-H took a Decision on Amendment of the Decision on establishment of the Administration of Bosnia and Herzegovina for Protection of Health of Herbs, with an objection that item II of the proposed Decision should be deleted at the session.

Upon a proposal of the Public Administration Reform Coordinator’s Office, the Council of Ministers of B-H took a Decision on Amendment of the Decision Appointing Members and their Alternates in Supervisory Teams for the B-H Public Administration Reform Strategy Action Plan 1 Implementation. 

The Council of Ministers of B-H considered and adopted Information on a meeting titled “Structural Dialogue in Judiciary”, held in Banja Luka, on June 6-7, 2011.

In regard to that, all competent institutions in B-H are tasked to act in compliance with the preliminary recommendations of the European Commission, submitted at the technical part of the meeting “Structural Dialogue in Judiciary”.

The Ministry of Justice of B-H is in charge to coordinate activities with the competent institutions in preparation of a draft response to a request of the European Commission for technical information, handed over by EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Füle.

All competent institutions of B-H are in charge to provide replies from their respective areas of competence to the Ministry of Justice of B-H by July 10, 2011, including translations of civil legal regulations, as sought under the EC request for technical information.

The Ministry of Justice of B-H is in charge to provide the Directorate for European Integrations with a draft response to the posed questions, by July 15, 2011.

The Work Group for Judiciary and Internal Affairs - established in accordance with a Decision on Establishment of Sub-Boards’ Work Groups - is tasked to prepare a draft document to include responses by all competent institutions, in a close cooperation with the Directorate for European Integrations.

The Directorate for European Integrations is in charge to provide the draft document containing responses  to the EC request for technical information to the Council of Ministers of B-H by July 31, 2011.

The Directorate for European Integrations is in charge to deliver the adopted document, translated into English language, to the European Commission by August 31, 2011.

The Ministry of Justice of B-H and Directorate for European Integrations are both in charge to coordinate with the Ministry of Finance and Treasury of B-H a funds provision for translation of documents to contain responses by competent institutions of B-H.

The Council of Ministers of B-H considered and adopted Information of the Directorate for European Integrations on the third meeting of the Transitional Sub-Board for Innovations, IT Society, Social Policy and Public Health, held in Sarajevo, on June 15-16, 2011.

The Council of Ministers of B-H received Information on the following macroeconomic trends’ indicators, provided by the Directorate for Economic Planning:

- information on macroeconomic trends for January-February 2011;

- information on macroeconomic trends for January-March 2011; and

- information on macroeconomic trends for January-April 2011.

The Council of Ministers of B-H considered and adopted Information of the Office of Council of Ministers’ Agent before the European Court for Human Rights on a Decision of the European Court for Human Rights in case app.No. 9336/08 “Ješić Nenad vs. B-H”.

In regard to that, the Ministry of Finance and Treasury of B-H is in charge to pay, by September 6, 2011, a BAM equivalent of EUR 2,600 as at the payment date, to Nenad Ješić, as per data to be provided by the applicant.

The Ministry of Finance and Treasury is obliged to inform the Office of Council of Ministers’ Agent before the European Court for Human Rights on the payment executed, which will notify the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe accordingly.

The Council of Ministers of B-H considered and adopted Information of the Office of Council of Ministers’ Agent before the European Court for Human Rights on a Decision of the European Court for Human Rights on Admissibility in Case app.No.11683/08 “DESTILACIJA PLC vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina”.

The Council of Ministers of B-H considered and adopted Information on 1115 DH meeting of the Committee of Deputy Ministers of the Council of Europe, held on June 7-9, 2011 and on Decisions taken at the meeting in respect to Bosnia and Herzegovina, as provided by the Office of Council of Ministers’ Agent before the European Court for Human Rights.

The Council of Ministers of B-H considered and adopted a report on a Child Action Plan Implementation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (2002-2010), prepared by the Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees.

In regard to that, the Council of Ministers thanked to UNICEF for the significant support it extended in the implementation of the Action Plan, aimed at establishing in B-H a sustainable child-friendly systems to secure a comprehensive child development, which represents a pivotal element for development of a healthy society and providing for future and prosperity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Council of Ministers of B-H considered and adopted a Report of the Ministry of Transport and Communications from a meeting of a Joint Committee, established under an Agreement on International Road Transport of Passengers and Goods, concluded between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Slovenia.

The Council of Ministers of B-H considered and adopted the following individual Activity Reports for year 2010:

- 2010 Activity Report of the Agency for Police Support of B-H;

- 2010 Activity Report of the Commission for State property;

- 2010 Activity Report of the Council of Science of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Council of Ministers of B-H returned for improvements the Activity Report of the Commission for Concessions of B-H for 2010.

The Activity Report of the General Attorney’s Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina for 2010 was returned to the proposer for adjustment of the text Report.

The Council of Ministers did not adopt the Annual Report of the Regulatory Agency for Communications for 2010 and Report of the Institute for Missing Persons of Bosnia and Herzegovina for year 2010.

The Council of Ministers of B-H considered and adopted the Fifth Semi-Annual Project Implementation Report on “Capacity Strengthening for Strategic Planning and Development of Action Policies”, provided by the Public Administration Reform Coordinator’s Office.

In regard to that, UNDP, as the Project Implementing Agency and Ministries, as Project beneficiaries, are required to implement recommendations by an independent evaluator for improvements in the Project.

The Council of Ministers of B-H considered and adopted a Report from the third meeting of Joint Board established under the Contract on Free Trade between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Turkey.

In regard to that, the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations is in charge to undertake, as soon as possible, all activities needed for the publication of a Decision No. 1/2011 of the Joint Board and for and effectiveness of the Amended Protocol 1 to the Contract, concerning a definition of the term “products with origin” and administrative cooperation.

The Council of Ministers of B-H considered and adopted the an Annual Report on Implementation of Measures for Improvement of Business Making Conditions in Agricultural Production and Food Industry in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The proposer, Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations, is in charge to provide the Annual Report to the Committee for Foreign Trade and Customs of the Parliamentarian Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Council of Ministers of B-H considered and adopted a Report on Agriculture in Bosnia and Herzegovina for 2010.

The proposer, Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations, is in charge to provide the Report to the Parliamentarian Assembly of B-H for adoption.

The Council of Ministers of B-H considered and adopted an Activity Report of the Expert Work Group for Preparation of the Transitional Justice Strategy in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Action Plan for its implementation for the period of April 2010 – April 2011, submitted by the Ministry of Justice.

In regard to that, sector Ministries (Ministry of Justice of B-H, Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees of B-H) are in charge to undertake needed measures towards Entity Governments in order to remove difficulties concerning the attendance and work of their representatives in the process of development of the Transitional Justice Strategy and Action Plan.

In conformity with the programme obligations of the Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Justice of B-H and Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees of B-H are in charge to continue their activities as per their assignment to develop the Transitional Justice Strategy, that will be submitted, following its adjustment with the Entity and Brčko District Governments, for consideration according to deadlines set earlier.

The Council of Ministers of B-H considered and adopted an Analysis of the Foreign Exchange of Bosnia and Herzegovina for January-March 2011, prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations.

The Council of Ministers of B-H granted its consent to a specification of work posts for the secondary level of education classified into salary categories in the Public Administration Reform Coordinator’s Office.

Upon a proposal of the Agency for Market Supervision, the Council of Ministers of B-H adopted an Instruction for Business Entities on Information to Consumers on Drawdown of Insecure Products.

The Council of Ministers of B-H postponed decision making on a request of the Agency for Civil Service for appointment of the Committee for Selection of Manager of the Insurance Agency of B-H.

Upon a proposal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Council of Ministers of B-H gave its consent to an appointment of Colonel Rob Tomilson as the Military Attaché of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland for Bosnia and Herzegovina with his seat in Sarajevo.

Upon a proposal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Council of Ministers of B-H took a Decision on allocation of current reserve funds from the Budget of Bosnia and Herzegovina and International Obligations of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Also, the Council of Ministers authorised the Minister of Foreign Affairs of B-H to sign contracts for three charter flights of BH Airlines Company for evacuation of B-H citizens from riots-ravaged Libya.

Upon a proposal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Council of Ministers of B-H granted its consent to an appointment of Fuad Stik as an Honorary Consul of Finland in Bosnia and Herzegovina and it gave its consent to opening of the Honorary Consular Office of Finland in Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo.

Upon a proposal of the Ministry of Security, the Council of Ministers of B-H took a Decision on Establishment of a Work Group for Development of the 2012-2015 Migrations and Asylum Strategy and its Action Plan.

The Council of Ministers of B-H took a Decision approving KM 100,000 to the Organisation Board for Marking of the 16th Anniversary of the “UN Safe Zone” event in Srebrenica.

The Council of Ministers of B-H took a Decision on defining salary bonus for the work post “assistant manager for organisation and operation” in the Border Police of Bosnia and Herzegovina.