The Senior Deputy High Representative, Peter Bas-Backer, and the Deputy Commander EUFOR, Brigadier Aylwin-Foster, yesterday visited the BiH Army Ammunition Storage Site in Krupa, and the Igman Ammunition Factory in Konjic. This visit highlighted the importance of supervision of weapons, ammunition and military equipment in Bosia-Herzegovina. Excess and surplus weapons and ammunition represent a serious problem; they should be disposed of at the earliest opportunity.
The international community is working hard with the BiH authorities to ensure the safe and expeditious disposal and destruction of weapons and ammunition. OHR remains committed to supporting both EUFOR and the BiH Ministry of Defence in completing this important task.
Thousands of tons of old and obsolete ammunition and weaponry are ready to be destroyed. The BiH authorities at all levels need to redouble their efforts in achieving a safer environment — there have already been too many tragedies caused by live and unsecured ordnance.
Among steps that need to be taken, Ambassador Bas-Backer cited “the introduction of legislation overseeing the movement of weapons, ammunition and military equipment within BiH as well as the supporting structures to ensure implementation. It would also entail having state level legislation in place covering the acquisition and possession of arms and ammunition in BiH; supported by harmonized Entity laws, tightened up amnesty laws as well as an Ministry of Security system for oversight and tracking and the necessary information flows to ensure prosecution.”