LAJCAK WELCOMES ADOPTION OF SEVERAL KEY PIECES OF LEGISLATION

SARAJEVO, Bosnia (February 16,2008) - The International Community's High Representative in Bosnia Miroslav Lajčák welcomed the adoption of several key pieces of legislation by the Bosnian Council of Ministers.

Draft Laws on the Directorate for Coordination of Police Bodies and Agencies, and the Independent and Supervisory Bodies of the Police Structure of Bosnia will now be debated by the Bosnian Parliament.

The adoption of these laws keeps Bosnia on track with the commitments made to the EU and Commissioner for Enlargement Ollie Rehn in December last year.

“Some Bosnian Ministers voted against these proposals– that is their right,” said Lajčák. "But it is important that Bosnia is fulfilling its commitments on the reforms required for signing the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the european Union.I hope an understanding can be found in the Bosnian Parliament,” he added.

The Bosnian Council of Ministers also adopted the Draft Law on Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices, another key EU requirement, and the Draft Transfer Agreement on Moveable Defence Property, a key step for implementing the Bosnian defence reform in line with NATO requirements for dealing with surplus weapons and ammunition.
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