The Armed Forces of BiH have about 4,750 tons of surplus ammunition, mines and mines and explosives, and more than 40,000 surplus weapons, it was stated at the session of the Strategic Committee for Arms, Ammunition and Mines and Explosives.
At the session held in Tarcin, concrete proposals were made for a better and more efficient solution to this process, among other things, to work quickly to reduce surplus mines and mines and increase the level of security at storage sites, all with the aim of building environmental security. , both for the personnel of the Armed Forces and for the citizens of BiH, it was announced from the Ministry of Defense in the Council of Ministers.
From 2006 to December 31, 2021, on various grounds, ie sales, donations and destruction, about 26,700 tons of mines and mines and explosives were resolved.
In the past period, work was done on improving the conditions for storing surpluses, training personnel and establishing systematic supervision of the correctness of stockpiles of mines and mines and explosives.
The Minister of Defense in the Council of Ministers, Sifet Podzic, who chaired today’s session of the Committee, emphasized that during the resolution of surplus ammunition, mines and mines, no extraordinary events were recorded with undesirable consequences for members of the BiH Armed Forces, although high-risk processes.
“All activities to increase the security of surplus storage and monitoring sites have been carried out in accordance with international standards, NATO and the EU, and I take this opportunity to thank international partners who provide significant assistance in resolving this very important security issue for the environment and BiH citizens.” is Minister Podžić, expressing further commitment to resolving this process.
The Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH, Kathleen Kavalek, pointed out that the mission of this international organization in BiH remains committed to assisting in increasing the capacity for arms control of BiH in accordance with the best examples of international practice.
“The Armed Forces of BiH will continue to have our support in the safe management of ammunition and weapons stockpiles and the implementation of the Master Plan for Ammunition, Weapons and Explosives,” Kavalekova emphasized.
The Commander of the NATO Headquarters in Sarajevo, Brigadier General Pamela McGaha, stated that since 2013, when the Strategic Committee was formed, huge progress has been made in achieving greater security not only of ammunition depots, but also of the population in their vicinity.
“With that goal in mind, the NATO headquarters in Sarajevo will continue to support the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces of BiH, providing technical advice and professional assistance,” McGaha said.
