The High Representative, Paddy Ashdown, today appointed Vinko Dumančić as the Director of the State Border Service (SBS). In a letter sent today to BiH Prime Minister Adnan Terzi}, Minister of Security Barisa ^olak and Foreign Minister Mladen Ivani} the High Representative expressed “deep regret” at having to take this decision but noted that the “State Border Service (SBS) has been without a Director since14 February 2004 and effectively without any management since 17 July 2005.”
Issuing this Decision the High Representative underlined the fact that the current lack of leadership is seriously undermining the ability of the SBS to function. The SBS is tasked with protecting BiH’s borders, a crucial role in ensuring that BiH is fully co-operating with the ICTY and fighting organized crime effectively. A functional SBS is a key part of NATO and EU conditionality.
The High Representative’s Decision, in line with the Law on State Border Service and the Law on Ministerial and Government Appointments, is based on merit and on the selection process conducted by the Council of Ministers itself. Vinko Dumančić shared top place in this procedure with one other candidate. EUPM reviewed the original documentation submitted to the CoM selection committee and found that Mr. Dumančić has greater operational and police management experience. EUPM clearly assessed Mr. Dumančić the most suitable candidate for the post of SBS Director.
The High Representative expresses his concern that even with the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) and SBS Director’s posts filled, these institutions remain weakened by the CoM’s failure to appoint senior management to posts that have been vacant for several months. Therefore the High Representative has appointed –
- Mr. Vahid Alagić as SBS Deputy Director
- Mr. Sead Lisak as SIPA Deputy Director
- Mr. Dragan Luka~ as Assistant Director for the Criminal Investigation in SIPA
- Mr. Mirza Lisinović as Assistant Director for the Internal Control in SIPA
All these appointments are based on merit as scored by the CoM selection committee. The High Representative has asked the Council of Ministers to re-advertise the SBS Assistant Director vacancy, as applicants didn’t meet the requirements specified for this position.
BiH’s Laws first call for selection based on merit, and secondly for ethnic representation to be taken into consideration. These appointments meet both the requirement for professional appointment and ethnic balance. These institutions are too important to BiH for them to remain without senior management and leadership any longer.