In the continuation of the trial of the former Minister of Defense Selmo Cikotic, the Prosecution’s expert spoke about the changes to the third contract on the sale of weapons, which removed certain items, even though they were in stock.
Continuing his findings and opinion, expert witness Berko Zecevic stated that the third contract from 2004 with the Zagreb company “Scout”, unlike the previous two and the fourth, included the “B” and “H” components, as well as large and different quantities weapons. He noticed that there was a discrepancy in the prices for certain types of weapons depending on the results of the negotiations of the two components.
“Those who drew up the contract had their own visions,” Zecevic said.
He noted that the contracted goods were not delivered within the stipulated time, even to this day. He added that the goods were constantly advertised even though this was not foreseen.
“Scout”, as he stated, sent his proposals for replacing the contracted weapons. He said he even proposed that the replacement include howitzers, as modern weapons.
Zecevic said that on September 7th, 2010, annex three to the contract was drawn up.
“The annex states that obsolete, unsuitable and surplus weapons are being sold,” noted the expert, giving a detailed overview of the changes by type and price.
According to Zecevic, this was to the detriment of the Ministry of Defense because the weapons which were kept required storage costs. He added that the provision of price stability was also violated.
The expert said that on October 22nd, 2010, the minister signed the decision approving the replacement of funds of the company “Scout”, which made additional corrections.
He cited the example that the original contract had planned a quantity of 220,000 trombone mines, which was later reduced to 22,000. Confirmed that those trombone mines were in stock and could be delivered.
The indictment accuses Cikotic that in the period from 2009 to 2011 – in agreement with other persons, with the aim of obtaining benefits – he used his official position and favored the company “Scout” from Zagreb.
As stated, Cikotic, contrary to the Agreement on the final disposal of all rights and obligations over the movable property from 2008 and the decisions of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), made and signed two decisions approving the delivery, i.e. exchange of goods, and four decisions on the delivery of ammunition. According to the indictment, he concluded four annexes to the basic contracts on the sale of unpromising weapons and ammunition concluded in 2003 and 2004.
Zecevic continues presenting his findings on April 18th, Detektor reports.
E.Dz.
