Ambassadors of several European Union (EU) countries, led by the Head of the European Union Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the EU Special Representative to B&amp;H Johann Sattler, visited the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina (HJPC B&amp;H) and discussed the new convocation of the Presidency of that regulatory body, headed by Judge Halil Lagumdžija.

In addition to Ambassador Sattler, the meeting was attended by Swedish Ambassador Johanna Strömquist, Dutch Ambassador Reinout Vos, Italian Ambassador Nicola Minasi, Austrian Ambassador Ulrike Hartmann, Slovenian Ambassador Zorica Bukinac and German Deputy Ambassador Sabina Petre Kochendorfer.
With words of welcome and gratitude for the current and future cooperation, members of the Presidency of the HJPC B&amp;H introduced the guests with the vision of the HJPC B&amp;H in the coming period which will be based on the Reform Program, as a set of strategic and reform measures whose adoption and implementation are being worked on intensively, as well as amendments to the Law on the HJPC of B&amp;H.
In this regard, the importance and necessity of the support of the international community in BiH for the rapid adoption of amendments to the said law was emphasized, without which certain advances in the judiciary cannot be achieved, the HJPC B&amp;H said.
The President of the HJPC B&amp;H Halil Lagumdžija thanked for the cooperation and support of the European Union and its individual member states in numerous projects to improve the judiciary, emphasizing the importance of improving the integrity of judicial office holders, strengthening the overall responsibility of the HJPC B&amp;H and the judiciary, and the proactive work of the HJPC B&amp;H in the context of important issues for the functioning of the system.
Ambassador Sattler congratulated the newly elected leadership and underlined the importance of establishing the rule of law for the international community, as a key precondition for Bosnia and Herzegovina's accession to the European Union.
He also referred to further support to the judiciary of Bosnia and Herzegovina through IPA projects, which will be aimed at improving the work and strengthening accountability.
He also stressed that the HJPC B&amp;H should focus on concrete results and improving accountability.
Ambassador Strömquist stressed long-term cooperation between the Swedish and B&amp;H judiciaries through partnership projects, with special emphasis on efficiency and responsibility, while Ambassador Vos pointed out positive examples of cooperation between judicial officials in the Netherlands and B&amp;H, emphasizing that independence is an important instrument which together with the responsibility of the holders of judicial functions contributes to public confidence in the judicial system.
Ambassador Hartmann emphasized the importance of the rule of law for the overall prosperity of citizens and the possibility of enjoying their rights, while Ambassador Bukinac expressed hope that the appointment of new members of the Presidency would begin a new chapter in the work of the institution and pointed out that the system is based on the people who are part of it.
In addition, the ambassadors of the EU countries commented on previous projects and cooperation with the B&amp;H judiciary and stressed that progress is necessary to restore public confidence in the work of the B&amp;H judiciary and that the HJPC B&amp;H is expected to be a leader and a positive example of change that are necessary for Bosnian society, the statement said.

Halil Lagumdžija thanked for the cooperation and support of the European Union and its individual member states in numerous projects to improve the judiciary

In addition to Ambassador Sattler, the meeting was attended by Swedish Ambassador Johanna Strömquist, Dutch Ambassador Reinout Vos, Italian Ambassador Nicola Minasi, Austrian Ambassador Ulrike Hartmann, Slovenian Ambassador Zorica Bukinac and German Deputy Ambassador Sabina Petre Kochendorfer

EU Ambassadors: HJPC is expected to be a leader and positive example

At today's emergency session, the Central Election Commission of B&amp;H passed decisions determining the results of the elections for the Mayor of Doboj and the Assembly of Doboj and the Mayor of Srebrenica and the Municipal Assembly of Srebrenica, held on November 15th, 2020., and the repeat elections held on February 21st this year.

These decisions on determining and announcing the election results in Doboj and Srebrenica will enter into force on the day of their adoption and will be published today on the website of the Central Election Commission of B&amp;H www.izbori.ba, and will be considered delivered to all participants in the election process. 
February 26th, 27th and 28th will be the next three days left for applications for a recount of ballots, the CEC said in a statement today.

February 26th, 27th and 28th will be the next three days left for applications for a recount of ballots

These decisions on determining and announcing the election results in Doboj and Srebrenica will enter into force on the day of their adoption and will be published today on the website of the CEC B&H

CEC B&H confirms the results of repeat elections in Doboj and Srebrenica

Minister of Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina Miloš Lučić today signed a Protocol on cooperation in the project "Sustainable Integration of Foreigners with International Protection Status", with the American humanitarian organization "Catholic Relief Services" of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The project aims to provide refugees and foreigners under subsidiary protection with access to all areas of community life (health, social, educational rights and access to the labor market), the B&amp;H Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees said.
The project will improve the existing legal framework regarding the exercise of the rights of persons with international protection, strengthen the readiness of local communities to respond to the needs of these persons, and support their integration into B&amp;H society through an individual approach.
These are persons who already have a recognized status, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, like any other country signatory to international conventions, has an obligation to provide them with access to these rights. With this protocol, the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of B&amp;H and CRS continue their long-term cooperation and harmonize responsibilities for the realization of project goals.

The project aims to provide refugees and foreigners under subsidiary protection with access to all areas of community life

Lučić and Catolic Relief Services B&H sign Protocol on integration of foreigners

Chief of the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces of B&amp;H, Colonel General Senad Mašović, talked with the Commander of the Maryland National Guard, Major General Timothy Gowen.

During the video meeting, they discussed the degree of implementation and efficiency of the current cooperation between the Armed Forces of B&amp;H and the Maryland National Guard, as well as the possibilities of expanding cooperation through joint activities with civilian authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
General Mašović informed the Commander of the Maryland National Guard about the role and engagement of the B&amp;H Armed Forces in difficult situations such as the Covid-19 pandemic, and the continuity in carrying out its activities in accordance with the legally defined mission and tasks.
General Gowen expressed gratitude to the B&amp;H AF as a partner for the successful implementation of all aspects of cooperation of the State Partnership Program (SPP) between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the US state of Maryland in the past period, and stressed the strong commitment of the US state of Maryland and the National Guard in providing support to the B&amp;H AF in the process of further activities of the reform of the B&amp;H AF, building and developing operational capabilities and capacities as well as in the process of transition of the B&amp;H AF on the way to full membership in NATO.
The partnership between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the US state of Maryland dates back to 2003 and was established to increase the interoperability of the B&amp;H Armed Forces with the US Armed Forces, and to provide assistance and support to democratic institutions and state bodies of Bosnia and Herzegovina, announced the Press Service of the B&amp;H Ministry of Defense.

The partnership dates back to 2003

Mašović-Gowen: Expand cooperation between B&H AF and Maryland National Guard

Lufthansa has announced the return of its flights from the Sarajevo International Airport and the line between Sarajevo and Frankfurt as of May 3 this year.

-Flights will take place four times a week in May, on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, while from June we expect daily flights. This long-awaited and attractive airline will be welcomed by our passengers, for whom Frankfurt is the final destination, but also those for whom this route will facilitate connections to all parts of the world- the Sarajevo International Airport said in a press release.

Flights will take place four times a week in May, on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays

This long-awaited and attractive airline will be welcomed by passengers

Lufthansa to re-launch its flights from Sarajevo International Airport

President of the Party of Democratic Action (SDA) Bakir Izetbegović received the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to B&amp;H Haldun Koç in a farewell visit.

Ambassador Koç expressed his gratitude for the cooperation and support during his term. For the next period, he announced the intensification of cooperation between the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Turkey in the implementation of new and previously started projects.
Izetbegović thanked Ambassador Koç and the Republic of Turkey for their support to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and expressed satisfaction with the cooperation so far. The officials also discussed meat export to Turkey as well as models of assistance to returnees to the RS entity through their participation in the implementation of the agreement.
They emphasized the importance of the project of the motorway from Sarajevo to Belgrade, which would connect large centers in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also Bosnia and Herzegovina with the region and Europe, and would also further strengthen relations with the Republic of Turkey. This project should be launched during the visit of the B&amp;H Presidency members to Turkey.
Izetbegović asked the Republic of Turkey to help Bosnia and Herzegovina in the procurement of coronavirus vaccines, the SDA said.

The officials also discussed meat export to Turkey as well as models of assistance to returnees to the RS entity through their participation in the implementation of the agreement

Izetbegović receives Ambassador Koç in a farewell visit

By reading the indictment and presenting the introductory remarks of the Prosecutor's Office of B&amp;H and the Defense, the trial of the accused in the "Respirators" case has begun in the Court of B&amp;H.
The Federal Prime Minister Fadil Novalić, his Deputy Jelka Milićević, the suspended director of the Federal Administration of Civil Protection Fahrudin Solak, and the owner of the company "Srebrena malina" Fikret Hodžić are accused in this case.
Prosecutor Mirza Hukeljić said that the company that would procure 100 respirators was known in advance. As he explained, the procedure of selecting "Srebrna malina" was based on one SMS message sent to the accused Novalić and that he is doing everything according to the instructions of a person named Asim.
In their introductory remarks, the Prosecution said that the complete procurement plan was devised by Novalić, and that Solak and Hodžić followed the instructions.
Novalić, Solak and Hodžić are charged with having committed several criminal offenses, including abuse of position or authority, receiving a reward or other form of benefit. Milićević is charged with committing the criminal offense of negligent work in the service.
The indictment alleges that Novalić, using the powers of the Prime Minister, together with the Deputy Prime Minister, signed previously prepared payment orders on April 3rd, 2020., which was the basis for the transfer of money from the budget to the account of "Srebrna malina" in the amount of 10.5 million KM. 4,950,000 KM was transferred from the current reserve account, and 5,580,000 KM from the special account of protection and rescue funds.
The Prosecution has made clear today again: Purchased and delivered medical equipment (respirators, ACM812A) does not have even the minimum necessary essential characteristics for adequate treatment of patients with moderate and severe clinical picture due to COVID-19 disease, which is why its use in intensive care units is not recommended.

In their introductory remarks, the Prosecution said that the complete procurement plan was devised by Novalić, and that Solak and Hodžić followed the instructions

"Respirators" affair: Look at what happened at the hearing of the accused Novalić, Solak, Hodžić and Milićević

In tonight's show of the famous B&amp;H journalist Mate Đaković, Fahrudin Radončić, president of SBB and former Minister of Security of B&amp;H, will answer the most intriguing political questions.
Radončić will talk about the boycott of the elections in Srebrenica, the political destinies of the SDA, SNSD and HDZ, false political friendships with Biden, the formation of a large opposition bloc, who is testing whom, the role of the President of the Court of B&amp;H and the Prosecutor's Office, Memić and Dragičević cases, election fraud in Mostar, the change of the FB&amp;H Government, the responsibility that the FB&amp;H is the only area in Europe without a single dose of vaccine, the candidacy of Zvizdić and others for the Presidency of B&amp;H, the self-isolation of Bosniak politics in the region and the world, the right of citizens to change the government which is in power for decades...
Telering broadcasts tonight at 9.10 PM on RTRS and tomorrow at 11 PM on OBN television.

Radončić will talk about the boycott of the elections in Srebrenica, the formation of a large opposition bloc, the political destinies of the SDA, SNSD and HDZ, the role of the President of the Court of B&H and the Prosecutor's Office of B&H...

Radončić in one of the previous interiews in Telering show

In the show Telering, Radončić will talk about the most intriguing political topics with Đaković

The B&amp;H Council of Ministers today adopted today a decision on the establishment of the Commission for Cooperation with NATO, as well as the Reform Program to be forwarded to Brussels.

The B&amp;H Foreign Minister Bisera Turković at a news conference after the CoM session said that the commission's name has been changed from the original "the Commission for the integration into NATO" to the present name of the Commission.
She explained that the commission will consist of seven representatives from each of the constituent peoples, who will make decisions according to the same principle as it is done in the Council of Ministers, in two rounds of voting.
Turković added that the vaccination against Covid was also a topic of today's session and that "we are still in the phase of waiting for that process to begin."
-We have a confirmation that B&amp;H has a "cold chain" capacity for the storage of Pfizer vaccines, and we have an announcement that the vaccines could arrive in the next few days- said Turković.
She underlined that B&amp;H has paid the requested amount of money for the vaccines on time and fulfilled other preconditions for their procurement and that if there is guilt for the delay of the vaccine, then it is on the side of the supplier.
Turković pointed out that after the affair with the procurement of ventilators, few would have the courage to embark on the process of the procurement of vaccines through a private contractor.

Commission will consist of seven representatives from each of the constituent peoples, who will make decisions according to the same principle as it is done in the Council of Ministers, in two rounds of voting

Turković: Instead of integration, we have a Commission for Cooperation with NATO

A 7-year-old boy lost his life when a fire broke out in a migrant camp northwest of Athens, Greek media reported.

The fire broke out Tuesday at the migrant camp in Thebes, some 90 kilometers (55 miles) from the capital before firefighters were finally able to extinguish the blaze, according to the Greek AMNA news agency.
Several media outlets reported that the 7-year-old boy was the child of an Iranian family.
Last September, a migrant camp on the Greek island of Lesbos caught fire, leaving more than 13,000 people without shelter.

Boy was child of Iranian family in migrant camp in Thebes, northwest of capital Athens, according to reports

The fire broke out Tuesday at the migrant camp in Thebes

7-year-old dies in Greek migrant camp blaze

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&amp;H PA) Denis Zvizdić received today the newly appointed Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Osamah Dakhel Al-Ahmadi.

The two officials talked about the current political situation in the country and the region, the process of Euro-Atlantic integration of B&amp;H, as well as the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic.
Zvizdić and Al-Ahmadi agreed that Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are friendly countries that have good relations, without any outstanding issues, but that there is a lot of room for better cooperation in the field of foreign trade, agriculture, wood industry, hydropower, tourism, education, science, culture and sports.
They also agreed that there is a need to adopt a decision on visa liberalization and this should be done in the coming period.
Zvizdić wished Ambassador Al-Ahmadi a pleasant stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina and success in performing his ambassadorial duties, said the office of Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of the B&amp;H Parliamentary Assembly Denis Zvizdić.

The two officials talked about the current political situation in the country and the region, the process of Euro-Atlantic integration of B&H, as well as the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic

Denis Zvizdić and Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Osamah Dakhel Al-Ahmadi

Zvizdić-Al-Ahmadi: B&H and Saudi Arabia need a visa-free agreement

The introductory remarks of the Prosecutor's Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the "Respirators" case, in which the Federal Prime Minister Fadil Novalić, his deputy Jelka Milićević, the suspended director of the Federal Civil Protection Administration Fahrudin Solak, and the owner of the company "Srebrena malina" Fikret Hodžić are accused, were completed.
Prosecutor Mirza Hukeljić said that the company that would procure 100 respirators was known in advance. As he explained, the procedure of selecting "Srebrna malina" was based on one text message that was sent to the accused Novalić and that he did this under the instructions of a person named Asim.
The accused Fikret Hodžić sent this message to the Prime Minister of FB&amp;H Fadil Novalić.
In the introductory remarks, the Prosecution said that the complete procurement plan was devised by Novalić, and that the Solak and Hodžić were following the instructions. It is interesting, however, while in the introductory words, Prosecutor Hukeljić said that an expert witness from Great Britain would testify, who would explain what kind of respirators are in question, Prime Minister Novalić laughed, which was also pointed out by the Prosecutor.

While giving his introductory remarks, Prosecutor Hukeljić said that an expert witness from Great Britain would testify to explain what kind of respirators are in question, Prime Minister Novalić laughed, which was also pointed out by Prosecutor

Novalić during his arrival at the Court of B&H

"Srebrna malina" was selected based on SMS message sent to Novalić: What is the role of "Asim"

The police of the Una-Sana Canton (USC) this morning relocated migrants and refugees from abandoned buildings in the city of Bihać to the Lipa migrant camp.

-With the arrival of warmer weather, there are more and more migrants and refugees on the streets of Bihać, which means a significant increase in the volume of work for police officers. This morning, we carried out an action of relocating more than 200 people from the building of the former company Krajinametal and the unfinished building of the Retirement Home, to the camp at the location of Lipa near Bihać. This was done to ensure more adequate living conditions for these people, and everything went without any problems- said Spokesman of the USC Police, Ale Šiljdedić.
The action was carried out in coordination with the Service for Foreigners’ Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and with the help of members of the humanitarian organization "SOS" Bihać.
All people will be accommodated in the Lipa camp, where food, clothes and shoes, living conditions in heated areas, medical care, as well as areas for maintaining personal hygiene are provided.

The action was carried out in coordination with the Service for Foreigners’ Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and with the help of members of the humanitarian organization "SOS" Bihać

All people will be accommodated in the Lipa camp, where food, clothes and shoes, living conditions in heated areas, medical care, as well as areas for maintaining personal hygiene are provided

USC police relocates more than 200 migrants from abandoned facilities to Lipa

A German court sentenced a former member of President Bashar al-Assad’s security services to 4-1/2 years in prison on Wednesday for facilitating the torture of civilians, the first such verdict for crimes against humanity in the 10-year-old Syrian civil war.

The higher regional court in the western city of Koblenz said Eyad A. had arrested at least 30 anti-government protesters at the start of the conflict in 2011 and sent them to an intelligence facility where he knew detainees were tortured.
The verdict gives hope to the 800,000 Syrians in Germany who say they were tortured in government facilities after attempts to establish an international tribunal for Syria failed.
-This is an important step forward in the process of securing accountability for the Syrian government’s systematic use of torture against civilians- said Steve Kostas, a lawyer with the Open Society Foundation’s Justice Initiative, which is representing Syrian plaintiffs.
The Assad government denies it tortures prisoners.

Eyad A.’s lawyers had asked for an acquittal, saying he had carried out the arrests in and around Damascus under duress by his superiors. He had asked the court to consider him a witness in broader legal efforts against the Syrian government.

The same court will continue hearings in the case of a second suspect identified as Anwar R., a former intelligence officer charged with 58 murders in a Damascus prison where prosecutors say at least 4,000 opposition activists were tortured in 2011 and 2012.
Syrian human rights lawyer Anwar al-Bunni said the unprecedented verdict would speed up efforts to bring charges against former members of the Syrian government suspected of war crimes who have fled to Europe.
-History has been made- said al-Bunni. -The first verdict against a member of the Syrian regime’s torture and murder machine is a verdict against the whole regime, not just against one individual. It gives hope that justice is possible.-

The verdict gives hope to the 800,000 Syrians in Germany who say they were tortured in government facilities after attempts to establish an international tribunal for Syria failed

Syrian defendant Eyad A. arrives to hear his verdict in the courtroom in Koblenz, Germany February 24, 2021.

German court issues guilty verdict in first Syria torture trial

Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Željko Komšić received yesterday in an inaugural visit the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Osamah Dakhel Al Ahmadi.

The two officials discussed good relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Saudi Arabia, opportunities for increasing economic cooperation and strengthening relations in the field of tourism.
Komšić wished Ambassador Osamah Dakhel Al Ahmadi a successful mandate in Bosnia and Herzegovina, stated the Presidency of B&amp;H.

The two officials discussed good relations between countries, opportunities for increasing economic cooperation and strengthening relations in the field of tourism

Željko Komšić and Ambassador Osamah Dakhel Al Ahmadi

B&H Presidency member Komšić receives Saudi Ambassador Al Ahmadi

Deputy Chair of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Bisera Turković and Ambassador of Japan to B&amp;H Ito Makoto signed today an Agreement on Japanese grants in the amount of 100 million yen for equipping medical institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

Minister Turković thanked Japan and the Japanese Government for today's valuable donation, emphasizing the strong and friendly ties between the two countries.
She also congratulated the National Day of Japan, which is being celebrated today, on the occasion of the birthday of the Japanese Emperor Naruhito and handed over a congratulatory message to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
Ambassador Makoto thanked for the congratulations and expressed satisfaction that this year, which marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, the Japanese Government donated grants to equip medical institutions in B&amp;H.
On this occasion, he also announced his country's assistance to the security sector in B&amp;H, i.e. the strengthening of the Border Police.
Turković pointed out that strengthening the B&amp;H state border in a situation of a large influx of migrants is of key importance, and stressed that the importance of Japanese donations is greater due to carefully selected sectors for which assistance is intended, the B&amp;H MoFA said.

Makoto also announced his country's assistance to the security sector in B&H, i.e. the strengthening of the Border Police

Minister Turković thanked Japan and the Japanese Government for today's valuable donation, emphasizing the strong and friendly ties between the two countries

EU Ambassadors: HJPC is expected to be a leader and positive example

CEC B&H confirms the results of repeat elections in Doboj and Srebrenica

Lučić and Catolic Relief Services B&H sign Protocol on integration of foreigners

Mašović-Gowen: Expand cooperation between B&H AF and Maryland National Guard

Lufthansa to re-launch its flights from Sarajevo International Airport

Izetbegović receives Ambassador Koç in a farewell visit

"Respirators" affair: Look at what happened at the hearing of the accused Novalić, Solak, Hodžić and Milićević

In the show Telering, Radončić will talk about the most intriguing political topics with Đaković

Turković: Instead of integration, we have a Commission for Cooperation with NATO

7-year-old dies in Greek migrant camp blaze

Zvizdić-Al-Ahmadi: B&H and Saudi Arabia need a visa-free agreement

"Srebrna malina" was selected based on SMS message sent to Novalić: What is the role of "Asim"

USC police relocates more than 200 migrants from abandoned facilities to Lipa

German court issues guilty verdict in first Syria torture trial

B&H Presidency member Komšić receives Saudi Ambassador Al Ahmadi

Government of Japan provides 100 million yen to equip medical facilities in B&H

News

EU Ambassadors: HJPC is expected to be a leader and positive example

CEC B&H confirms the results of repeat elections in Doboj and Srebrenica

Lučić and Catolic Relief Services B&H sign Protocol on integration of foreigners

Mašović-Gowen: Expand cooperation between B&H AF and Maryland National Guard

Lufthansa to re-launch its flights from Sarajevo International Airport

Izetbegović receives Ambassador Koç in a farewell visit

"Respirators" affair: Look at what happened at the hearing of the accused Novalić, Solak, Hodžić and Milićević

In the show Telering, Radončić will talk about the most intriguing political topics with Đaković

Turković: Instead of integration, we have a Commission for Cooperation with NATO

7-year-old dies in Greek migrant camp blaze

Zvizdić-Al-Ahmadi: B&H and Saudi Arabia need a visa-free agreement

"Srebrna malina" was selected based on SMS message sent to Novalić: What is the role of "Asim"

USC police relocates more than 200 migrants from abandoned facilities to Lipa

German court issues guilty verdict in first Syria torture trial

B&H Presidency member Komšić receives Saudi Ambassador Al Ahmadi

Government of Japan provides 100 million yen to equip medical facilities in B&H