Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Šefik Džaferović, received the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Johanna Strömquist.

 

 

Ambassador Strömquist informed Chairman Džaferović about the application of the Kingdom of Sweden for NATO membership and the reasons for this decision, and that the government of the Kingdom of Sweden informed officials of other European countries in the same format.
The two also discussed the security architecture in Europe and the Western Balkans after the Russian aggression on Ukraine.
The Chairman of the Presidency of BiH thanked the ambassador and expressed understanding and support for the decision of the Government of the Kingdom of Sweden, said the Presidency of BiH.

The two also discussed the security architecture in Europe and the Western Balkans after the Russian aggression on Ukraine

Johanna Strömquist and Šefik Džaferović

Strömquist informs Džaferović about Sweden's decision to apply for NATO membership

On the order of the Prosecutor's Office of BiH, an exhumation process is being carried out at the Rača site in the Vlasenica municipality, during which the remains of one person were found.

The remains will be transported to the Tuzla Commemorative Center for further processing and sampling to determine the identity of the person through DNA analysis.
An investigator from the Special Department for War Crimes of the Prosecutor's Office of BiH is present at the site.
He is conducting the exhumation process under the supervision of the acting prosecutor. as well as police officers of the Vlasenica police station who are securing the location.

The remains will be transported to the Tuzla Commemorative Center for further processing and sampling to determine the identity of the person through DNA analysi

The remains will be transported to the Tuzla Commemorative Center

Exhumation procedure is being carried out in Vlasenica, remains of one person found

Fahrudin Radončić, president of SBB, gave support to state police officers who protested in front of BiH institutions yesterday.
You can read his status below:
- As the former Minister of Security of BiH, who performed this function twice, I was saddened by yesterday's picture of police officers and members of state security agencies, who were forced to protest in order to fight for their dignity.
These people are the symbol of our state, they guard and protect it, the state is obliged to provide them with salaries from which they will be able to feed their families and take care of our security - Radončić wrote.

These people are a symbol of our state, they guard and protect it, the state is obliged to provide them with salaries from which they will be able to feed their families and take care of our security, said Radončić

Radončić supported police officers and members of state security agencies

Radončić: As a former Minister of Security of BiH, I was saddened by the image of police officers who were forced to protest

The Second Module of the SBB Political Academy entitled "3E - Ecology, Economy, Europe" is being held in Sarajevo today. The lecturers are international experts, the representative of "Canvas" from the USA Siniša Šikman, the expert from Slovenia Rudi Mersek and the diplomat and economist Draško Aćimović. They presented to SBB activists a part of a new way of working and political action in the future, which on the basis of 3E, with an organization based on the application of modern technologies and concrete solutions for BiH citizens, will withdraw a number of changes that needs to be harmonized with countries of Europe, USA and Great Britain, as traditional friends and partners of BiH.
Director of the SBB Political Academy Admir Čavka said that the goal of education was to present to SBB members, sympathizers and activists the new circumstances imposed by the Russian aggression on Ukraine, which imply a completely different approach to solving citizens' problems, without delay and with concrete solutions. 
- 3E determines the strategic policy of SBB. Ecology will be not only the basis of the environmental protection program, but we are also working on models for saving energy resources so that BiH can be ready to enter the most difficult energy period in its history. The economy must provide solutions that will relieve BiH of the burden of being the poorest country in Europe. Finally, Europe is Bosnia and Herzegovina and BiH is Europe. In any case, the ultimate strategic goal of BiH is membership in NATO, as well as the EU, and SBB is strongly committed to achieving this goal as soon as possible - said Čavka.

The ultimate strategic goal of BiH in any case is membership in NATO, as well as the EU, and SBB is strongly committed to achieving this goal as soon as possible, the statement said

Picture taken at the SBB Political Academy

SBB Political Academy and international experts presented the new 3E program - ecology, economy and Europe

The ruling Social Democratic Party in Sweden decided on Sunday that the country should apply for NATO membership.

At the meeting held by the Social Democratic Party administration, the decision was made to apply for membership in the alliance.
- According to the decision of the party meeting on May 15, we support the application for NATO membership - the party said in a statement.
Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson said this would be the best decision for Sweden's security.
Foreign Minister Ann Linde described her party's move as a "historical decision" in a post on Twitter.
- Today the Swedish Social Democratic Party took a historic decision to say yes to apply for a membership in the NATO defence alliance. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has deteriorated the security situation for Sweden and Europe as a whole - she said.
After the decision is discussed in parliament on Monday, Sweden and Finland are expected to formally apply together for membership by Wednesday at the latest.

Lawmakers to discuss decision at Swedish parliament on Monday

At the meeting held by the Social Democratic Party administration, the decision was made to apply for membership in the alliance

Sweden's ruling Social Democratic Party backs NATO membership

May 1 Labor Day parade on Sunday turned violent in Paris as demonstrators went on a rampage vandalizing commercial and financial establishments and clashing with public authorities, to protest the pension reforms of newly re-elected President Emmanuel Macron.

- The thugs come to disrupt the May Day demonstrations, particularly in Paris, by committing unacceptable violence - Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin denounced on Twitter.

<h2>Demonstrators mobilized in huge numbers </h2>

The main parade was organized by trade unions and student associations to demand better working conditions and higher wages, and to oppose the proposed pension reform by Macron that would increase the retirement age from 62 to 65.

Demonstrators mobilized in huge numbers and began the march in the afternoon around 2.30 p.m. local time (1230GMT) from Place de la Republique.
A group of demonstrators wearing head-to-toe black clothes broke away from the main procession at Boulevard Voltaire and began vandalizing commercial properties, breaking glass windows of shops, and lighting fires.
The vandalism turned violent at several places as demonstrators clashed, threw projectiles at the security personnel, and riot-geared police fired tear gas shells to disrupt the crowd.
A BFMTV news report identified the destruction of around 20 properties and shops, including McDonald's, an insurance company, real estate agencies, and banks.
A video on social media showed a protester wearing an orange helmet clashing with the firefighters who intervened to douse a fire at the intersection of Rue Alexandre Dumas and Boulevard Voltaire.

The fire brigade, Paris Pompiers, strongly condemned the aggression towards its personnel as a “scandalous attack.”

- Shame on the savagery, this new aggression towards the firefighters of Paris in the exercise of their functions, to protect the people, the property of the City and the smooth running of the event is incomprehensible - it said on Twitter.
Left-wing leader Jean Luc Melenchon of the Jean Luc Melenchon​​​​​​​ party, who polled in third place in the recently concluded presidential elections, said he was fed up with "parasitic violence" on May 1, which made "the march of the unions invisible and serves as propaganda for our worst adversaries."He blamed the Paris police for not taking timely action against the disruptors and failing to guarantee the “right to demonstrate in peace” to the aggrieved workers.
Elsewhere in France, May Day rallies were relatively peaceful. Demonstrators protested against Macron, called for political change with a left-wing and socialist agenda government, and demanded a dignified retirement age of 60.

Interior minister denounces "unacceptable violence" by "thugs"

Protesters gather around a fire on the road during clashes with police on the sidelines of the annual May Day rally

May Day parade turns violent in Paris

Raisu-l-ulama of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina Husein effendi Kavazović on the eve of Eid al-Fitr, issued a message to all Muslims of Bosnia and Herzegovina, whether they live in the country or abroad.

- Dear brothers and sisters, Muslims, we have fasted this Ramadan and we have tried to be at the height of Ramadan virtue without violating its sanctity. And we spent a nice and comfortable month. The Ramadan ambience is full of visible and invisible atmospheres and blessings. I ask Allah to accept all our Ramadan efforts so that our actions have a positive impact on both the living and the dead.
Tomorrow is Eid, a holiday full of joy. Share that joy with your family, relatives, friends and neighbors. Visit other people, but also the sick, abandoned and lonely, and make them happy by doing something for them. And don't forget the poor. Joy is not complete if it is not shared with someone - said Rais Kavazović.
He congratulated all those who celebrate Eid in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in their home countries and the world on the upcoming days of Eid al-Fitr with the words: "Eid Sherif Mubarek Olsun!".

I ask Allah to accept all our Ramadan efforts so that our actions have a positive impact on both the living and the dead

Reis Kavazović's Eid message: Joy is not complete if we do not share with other people

Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as of today, can enter the Republic of Croatia without the provision of Covid certificates, confirmed to FENA on Sunday the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Croatia.
 
 
It is stated in the notice that the Decision on the temporary restrictions on crossing the border of the Republic of Croatia, which was valid until April 30, 2022, has not been extended.
Therefore, entry into the Republic of Croatia is allowed pertaining to the conditions of entry that were valid before the Covid-19 pandemic, i.e. under the conditions prescribed by the Schengen rules, the Aliens Act and the like, and without the need to meet any epidemiological conditions, the Croatian Interior Ministry said.

It is stated in the notice that the Decision on the temporary restrictions on crossing the border of the Republic of Croatia, which was valid until April 30, 2022, has not been extended

BiH nationals can enter the Republic of Croatia without Covid certificates

As of today, BiH nationals can enter the Republic of Croatia without Covid certificates

A legendary BiH football player and coach, Sarajevo-born, Ivica Osim has died in Graz, Austria, at the age of 81.

 

An iconic football expert, nicknamed Švabo, was born on May 6, Sarajevo in 1941. He was building up his youth football career in the Željeznicar Football Club from 1954 to 1959.
After leaving the juniors, he started playing for the A team in the 1959/1960 season. He played for the club for a total of 11 years, during which time he collected 250 official appearances and scored 75 goals. In 1970 he went to France where he played for Strasbourg, Sedan and Valenciennes.

Also known as Strauss, which was Osim's other nickname that he got for his blonde hair, also played for the national team of the former Yugoslavia. He collected 16 appearances, scoring 8 goals. He was one of the main players in winning second place at the 1968 European Championships.

During that time he was an unusually tall player but of a characteristically long stride. He drew attention with his incredible technique and the ease with which he overcame opposing players. It seemed as if the players were falling around him, and if he didn't assist his teammates, he would score goals on his own. Radio and newspaper reporters often reported with astonishment that he was making it all happen despite his slow movements. He was also named the best player in Yugoslavia in 1967.
He ended his playing career in 1978, after which he became a very successful coach. He successfully led FC Željeznicar from 1978 to 1986. He was also the head coach of the Yugoslav national team, the coach of Partizan, Panathinaikos, Sturm, JEF United, and his last coaching engagement was as the head coach of Japan.

<h2>The match was watched by 25,000 fans</h2>

Osim will also be remembered for being the coach of FC Željeznicar in the iconic semifinals of the UEFA Cup against Videoton at the Grbavica stadium. After the 3-1 defeat in Hungary, the team had 2-0 result until the 87th minute, and then they conceded a goal and dreams of the finals with Real Madrid fell apart. The match was watched by 25,000 fans.

In 2011, FIFA appointed Osim to head the Committee for Normalization of the Football Association of BiH, and he helped the umbrella house of our football to get on the right path and lead us to a system that is, to this day, enjoyed by football associations and organizations in BiH.

He drew attention with his incredible technique and the ease with which he overcame opposing players

A legend of BiH football Ivica Osim dies at the age of 81

France's prosecutors on Monday launched an intentional homicide investigation in the case involving the shooting of two people early morning in the center of Paris, at the end of the victory rally for the re-election of President Emmanuel Macron, according to reports by local media.

The police opened fire on a vehicle killing two passengers after they refused to comply with their orders. The Inspectorate General of the National Police reached the spot on the Pont-Neuf bridge in central Paris and questioned the five police officials involved in the shooting, FranceInfo news reported.

The prosecution has registered a case of "attempted homicide on persons holding public authority" and seized the weapon from which a dozen cartridges were fired, killing the two suspects. The prosecution has also opened a probe against the police officer for causing "intentional violence" resulting in death.
The police have not linked the incident with the Macron’s rally and have not announced any suspected terror angle.

The incident is said to have occurred around 11.45 PM local time (21:45 GMT) as supporters and spectators were leaving Macron's rally at the Champs de Mars public space. The Pont Neuf bridge is between Louvre Museum and Notre Dame cathedral and is a few km away from Champs de Mars. The area had high security in view of the election day results.

A police patrol came across a gray Volkswagen Polo that was parked with headlights in the opposite direction of the road on the bridge. As the police were approaching the car, the driver tried to move in their direction, triggering the only armed police officers to start firing to stop the car, the report said.
The prosecution has identified two deceased – a 25-year-old driver and a 31-year-old front passenger – and a 42-year-old backseat passenger who was injured during the shooting.

Police in Paris shot dead 2 people after they failed to comply orders

The police have not linked the incident with the Macron’s rally

French prosecutors to investigate police shooting after Macron’s victory rally

NATO top diplomats will hold an informal meeting in Berlin on May 14-15, the alliance announced on Monday.

- An informal meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers will be held in Berlin, Germany on 14-15 May, chaired by Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg - NATO's spokesperson, Oana Lungescu, said on Twitter.
Following discussions in previous months, the ministers are expected to address the situation in Ukraine, as well as the military bloc's reaction to the changing security environment.
Since the beginning of Russia's war in Ukraine, NATO has activated defense plans and deployed elements of the NATO Response Force.
Military commanders were also tasked with drafting plans to bolster NATO's long-term defense and deterrence posture in the eastern part of the alliance.
The plans would deploy more equipment and supplies on the ground, aircraft, and strengthened air and missile defense systems, as well as carrier ships, submarines, and a significant number of combat ships on a permanent basis.
NATO leaders are expected to give the final green light at their summit to be held in Madrid in June.

Top diplomats expected to discuss NATO's response to Russia-Ukraine war at informal meeting

Since the beginning of Russia's war in Ukraine, NATO has activated defense plans and deployed elements of the NATO Response Force

NATO foreign ministers to meet in Berlin

Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the UN Sven Alkalaj announced that the UN Security Council, after Russia's aggression against Ukraine, which began almost 60 days ago, faces a big problem - how to condemn the aggression of a UN member against another UN member. 

In an article for the Institute for Geopolitics, Economics and Security (IGES), Alkalaj said that the situation is even more complex because the aggressor country is also a permanent member of the UN Security Council with a veto right and as a result of such circumstances it was not possible to reach an agreement in the UN Security Council to condemn the aggression - precisely because the veto was used.

- In order for all UN member states to be aware of this situation, the issue of aggression against Ukraine had to be put on the agenda of the UN General Assembly. An identical procedure was made when the member states were asked to suspend the Russian Federation from the UN Human Rights Council. Therefore, an extraordinary session of the General Assembly had to be scheduled in order to discuss Russia's aggression against Ukraine in front of all members, and not only in front of 15 members of the UN Security Council. With such an approach, conditions have been created for all countries to express their position on aggression - Alkalaj explained.

- So, in order for a session of the General Assembly to be held, it is necessary to put these things on the agenda so that the entire membership can discuss them. The UN Charter makes this possible through these two articles. In the case of the current situation, when one country, a permanent member of the SC, opposes the decision of the SC, ie. vetoes it, the debate is transferred to the General Assembly, but an extraordinary session of the General Assembly must be requested.
In order to avoid the procedure of requesting an extraordinary session of the General Assembly, the idea came to pass a resolution called "Veto Initiative", which has a purely political meaning. The resolution would state that every time a country vetoes a certain decision, it would automatically go to the session of the General Assembly to discuss the submitted veto in the SC," Alkalaj pointed out.

<h2>60 countries have co-sponsored the resolution</h2>

According to him, that would happen automatically and would not depend on who is the president of the General Assembly, who otherwise has the opportunity to decide whether he wants to and when to put an item on the agenda. Thus, after the automatic session of the General Assembly and the declaration, certain conclusions would be drawn.

He added that many other elements are in favor of the initiative, one of which is strengthening multilateralism.
On the other hand, Alkalaj reminds that there are numerous examples when the Security Council was not able to take effective action due to large political differences among the permanent members. Another important reason is that the majority membership of the UN believes that the UN must be reformed because there is a need for a different way of conducting activities.
- This "Veto INitiative" is not against anyone but calls for greater responsibility for the care of humanity. It is clearly stated in the UN Charter that the Security Council works on behalf of all UN members, and when certain members use the veto, other member states have the right to know why. The support for the adoption of such a resolution is growing every day. So far, about 60 countries have co-sponsored the resolution, while a number of countries have decided to support it, but not to co-sponsor it. Some permanent members, such as the United States, Great Britain and France, will give their support - Alkalaj said.
The date for the discussion and decision-making on this resolution is scheduled for Tuesday, April 26, 2022.

In order for all UN member states to be aware of this situation, the issue of aggression against Ukraine had to be put on the agenda of the UN General Assembly, he emphasized

Alkalaj: Because of Ukraine, the veto right in the UN Security Council is faced with scrutiny

Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Karen Donfried will travel to the Western Balkans from April 25 to 29, with stops in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.&nbsp;

On April 25, she will thank Kosovo for providing refuge to Afghans and Ukrainians, encourage work on reforms for democratic consolidation and integration into European and Euro-Atlantic institutions, and review prospects for progress in the U.S.-supported, EU-facilitated Dialogue with Serbia toward an agreement on normalized relations centered on mutual recognition.

She will travel to Serbia on April 26 to urge Serbia to advance reforms for its European integration, enhance regional stability and prosperity, discuss opportunities for further energy diversification, and broaden our bilateral security and economic ties. She will reiterate the need for Serbia and Kosovo to reengage in the EU-facilitated Dialogue.
On April 27, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Donfried will encourage officials to resume institutional participation at all levels of government to advance functionality and common-sense reforms for greater prosperity and for BiH to obtain EU candidate status. She will urge BiH to hold fall elections on time and make progress in fighting endemic corruption.
In North Macedonia on April 28, she will meet with government leaders to signal our strong support for North Macedonia’s EU accession negotiations and thank them for their ongoing assistance to Ukraine. She will urge NATO’s newest member to continue close cooperation on a range of regional, security, and defense issues to promote democracy and regional stability.

<h2> 100 years of U.S.-Albanian diplomatic relations</h2>

On April 28 she will commemorate 100 years of U.S.-Albanian diplomatic relations and thank Albania for our partnership on the United Nations Security Council and for its commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russian aggression. She will also underscore our strong support for Albania’s EU accession and regional economic integration, as well as emphasize the need to fully implement justice reform and combat corruption.

Donfried will travel to Montenegro on April 29, where she will highlight U.S. support for and the need to accelerate work on Montenegro’s Euro-Atlantic path and EU accession, strengthening NATO membership, and on supporting shared values, including tackling corruption.
She will also thank Montenegro for joining EU sanctions on Russia in support of Ukraine, and for providing humanitarian and security assistance, as well as for closing its airspace to Russian aircraft.

She will urge BiH to hold fall elections on time and make progress in fighting endemic corruption

US Assistant Secretary of State Karen Donfried visits the Western Balkans

On the occasion of the Easter, the President of SBB, Fahrudin Radončić, congratulated the Archbishop of Vrhbosna, Monsignor Tomo Vukšić, and all Catholics in BiH and beyond.
- Easter is a holiday that symbolizes hope and faith in the future, generally a holiday that celebrates life. This great Catholic holiday is an opportunity to show solidarity again and nurture mutual understanding and respect.
I want you to welcome and spend your holiday in health and happiness, among your loved ones, family and friends.
These days are also an opportunity to share your holiday joy with your neighbors, which is in the spirit of our good neighborly relations and the tradition of Bosnia and Herzegovina - said Radončić.

This great Catholic holiday is an opportunity to show solidarity again and nurture mutual understanding and respect, said Radončić

Radončić: Share your holiday joy with your neighbors

SBB President Fahrudin Radončić congratulated Easter

Minister of Defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina Sifet Podžić is today at the barracks of the Armed Forces of BiH "Rajlovac", where the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Army of RBiH and the parade of the 2nd Infantry (Ranger) Regiment took place told reporters that "we will defend our country if necessary". 

- It is a legal obligation of the Armed Forces of BiH, that is why we exist, it is one of our missions and, if necessary, we will certainly defend the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina - said Minister Podžić.
- We have been living on interim financing for three years now, when some are deliberately obstructing the equipping of the BiH Armed Forces, I must tell them - this country will not be torn apart - said Podžić.
Answering a journalist's question, he said that the security situation in BiH is not good, not because of the war in Ukraine, the security situation in BiH is not good because of the non-functioning of state authorities, because of the non-functioning of the BiH Presidency, the BiH Council of Ministers and the BiH Parliamentary Assembly.
According to him, unfortunately, the Ministry of Defense and members of the Armed Forces of BiH feel that the most.
- There are those who deliberately want to demolish those institutions and bring them to the level that they cannot fulfill their obligations. We are fighting against that, we will fight and it cannot be worse than in 1992 - Minister Podžić pointed out.

Answering a journalist's question, he said that the security situation in BiH is not good

Podžić: If necessary, we will defend the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina

The High Representative in BiH Christian Schmidt congratulated Easter to all the Catholic faithful in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

- Dear believers, may the risen Christ give you the strength and inspiration to persevere and find the way to a better future in these times full of trials. I congratulate you and your families on the occasion of Easter with the desire to spend it in good health and an abundance of God's blessing. Happy Easter - said Schmidt, the OHR said.

Strömquist informs Džaferović about Sweden's decision to apply for NATO membership

Exhumation procedure is being carried out in Vlasenica, remains of one person found

Radončić: As a former Minister of Security of BiH, I was saddened by the image of police officers who were forced to protest

SBB Political Academy and international experts presented the new 3E program - ecology, economy and Europe

Sweden's ruling Social Democratic Party backs NATO membership

May Day parade turns violent in Paris

Reis Kavazović's Eid message: Joy is not complete if we do not share with other people

As of today, BiH nationals can enter the Republic of Croatia without Covid certificates

A legend of BiH football Ivica Osim dies at the age of 81

French prosecutors to investigate police shooting after Macron’s victory rally

NATO foreign ministers to meet in Berlin

Alkalaj: Because of Ukraine, the veto right in the UN Security Council is faced with scrutiny

US Assistant Secretary of State Karen Donfried visits the Western Balkans

SBB President Fahrudin Radončić congratulated Easter

Podžić: If necessary, we will defend the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina

High Representative Schmidt congratulates Easter

News

Strömquist informs Džaferović about Sweden's decision to apply for NATO membership

Exhumation procedure is being carried out in Vlasenica, remains of one person found

Radončić: As a former Minister of Security of BiH, I was saddened by the image of police officers who were forced to protest

SBB Political Academy and international experts presented the new 3E program - ecology, economy and Europe

Sweden's ruling Social Democratic Party backs NATO membership

May Day parade turns violent in Paris

Reis Kavazović's Eid message: Joy is not complete if we do not share with other people

As of today, BiH nationals can enter the Republic of Croatia without Covid certificates

A legend of BiH football Ivica Osim dies at the age of 81

French prosecutors to investigate police shooting after Macron’s victory rally

NATO foreign ministers to meet in Berlin

Alkalaj: Because of Ukraine, the veto right in the UN Security Council is faced with scrutiny

US Assistant Secretary of State Karen Donfried visits the Western Balkans

SBB President Fahrudin Radončić congratulated Easter

Podžić: If necessary, we will defend the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina

High Representative Schmidt congratulates Easter