HEAD OF EUPM VINCENZO COPPOLA MET WITH NEW DIRECTOR OF SIPA MIRKO LUJIC

SARAJEVO, Bosnia (January 20,2008) - Head of the European Union Police Mission in Bosnia (EUPM), Brigadier General Vincenzo Coppola met the newly appointed Director of the Bosnian State Investigation and Protection Agency Mirko Lujic.

General Coppola congratulated the new director on his post and pointed out that he is facing big challenges and expectations. They agreed that SIPA, as an agency for law enforcement at the state level, has to be continually developed so that it would be able to fulfil all its tasks.

“Organized crime is a serious issue in Bosnia which negatively affects not only the economic and security situation of BiH but also the entire region” said General Coppola.

“SIPA has made good progress in the past and I am particularly pleased with the results of the Financial Investigation Department” stressed Coppola.

“Other areas, however, need to be further developed and I expect the Director to rigorously drive the agency forward and increase its capabilities,” he said.

The newly appointed Director of the Bosnian State Investigation and Protection Agency Mirko Lujic stated that the fight against organized crime was SIPA’s priority:

“SIPA is still facing staffing problems especially at senior management level” said Lujic.

“I am, however, convinced that we will be able to address this issue in a short period of time. Even with limited resources SIPA is bringing good results and we will see more in the future.”

General Coppola emphasized that the EU Police Mission will continue to give full support to SIPA.

He reassured the Director that the EU Police Mission’s international police officers will remain at SIPA’s disposal to share their expertise and pro-actively advise, monitor and inspect the agency.