Sending his condolences to the family of Bojan Prodanovic, the SBS officer who was killed in the incident the High Representative said “we strongly discourage any speculation until the full facts are known”. The fatal shooting on Wednesday at the Metaljka border crossing in Eastern Bosnia is now being investigated by the Prosecutor Office and by the SBS itself .
The State Border Service is BiH’s longest standing state security institution and despite setbacks has produced significant results since it became operational in 2000. The EUPM is monitoring the investigation into this tragic shooting. ” But the current political prevarication can have only weakened this Service institutionally and I expect the State institutions to take decisive action to ensure that this situation is resolved”, said the High Representative. “I will discuss the shooting with the EUPM, and if necessary I will recommend a full review of the situation within in the SBS be conducted” added the High Representative.
The State Border Service has now been without a director since July 17 this year because of squabbling among members of the Council of Ministers. “This is a key institution given the current global threat of terrorism and organized crime and party leaders should end the bickering now and appoint a professional director who will be able to lead this institution effectively” said the High Representative adding that “the efficiency of this organisation is a core requirement of BiH’ security and BiH’s credibility in the International Community”.