BOSNIAN GOVERNMENT DETERMINES PLAN OF ACTIVITIES FOR 2008

SARAJEVO, Bosnia (March 8,2008) – The Bosnian government has determined a plan of activities for 2008.Bosnia's Prime Minister Nikola Spiric emphasized that the main goals of the program are association of Bosnia to the EU and further progress towards fulltime membership to NATO.

According to him, the plan of activities is oriented towards creation of a united economic space in Bosnia and implementation of economic reforms.

Spiric added that this is the first time that the Bosnian government’s plan of activities will be sent to the parliamentary procedure in due time.

The Bosnian Council of Ministers determined Bill on High School Education and Training in Bosnia, defining guidelines and the main issues related to the high school education training and curriculum. It also deals with the department institutions, main issues related to the curriculum, examinations, schools’ autonomy, financing and management.

Spiric emphasized that it is of a special significance that the Bill foresees the frame curriculum at the Bosnian state level, including the joint circle of general subjects in primary and secondary schools for the purpose of achieving equal standards.

The Bosnian Council of Ministers determined Bill on ID Agency, Booking and Data Exchange which will take over the CIPS project jurisdiction. The Agency, situated in the northern Bosnian city of Banja Luka, will be organized as a management organization as a part of the department ministry.

The Council also determined Bill Changing and Amending the Law on Police Officers, ehich would, if adopted, enable implementation of the UN Security Council’s President from April 30 2007, as well as the implementation of the Bosnian government’ conclusions adopted in relation to the decertified police officers’ issue.

Changes and Amendments to this Law will enable the decertified police officers to apply for work at certain police structures.

The Bosnian Council of Ministers also determined Bill Changing and Amending the Law on Bosnia's Customs Policy which will regulate the issue of freeing from taxes the purchase of equipment for the needs of civil protection institutions and fire departments. Purchase of those goods is ensured by the Bosnian Ministry of Finance and Vault, in cooperation with the Bosnian Ministry of Security. The Council also determined the Bill on Control of Movement of Weapons and Military Equipment which will enable Bosnia to take over the EUFOR jurisdiction in the sector.

The Bill also foresees the ways and conditions of movement of the military equipment and weapons within Bosnia and movement of weapons during the transfer into some other country.

The Council of Ministers determined Bill on State Border Control, regulating the issues of crossing the Bosnian state borders.

The Bill adopted in accordance to the realization of Strategy of Integral Management of State Borders and the European legislative related to the issue, meaning the rules applicable to Bosnia.

The Bosnian Council of Ministers determined Bill Changing and Amending the Law on Judiciary Exam in Bosnia, which foresees the graduated lawyers to take this exam, provided that they have had two years of work experience in the praxis; including the probationers and volunteers. The Bill is aimed to help the young lawyers progress professionally.

Furthermore, the Council of Ministers determined Bill on Basis for Conclusion of the Agreement on the CEFTA Headquarters in Brussels, which will be submitted to the Bih Presidency for further procedure.

The Council of Ministers palso assed Decision Changing and Amending the Decision on Nomination of Workgroup for Development of Report on Participation of the Bosnian Armed Forces, Police and State Officials in Peace Support Missions Abroad.

The Bosnian Council of Ministers passed Decision on Formation of a State Body for Cross-State Border Cooperation, proposed by Direction for European Integrations of Bosnia, aimed to improve the implementation of the second component of the IPA.

The Bosnian Council of Ministers passed Decision on Seizure of the Bosnian Citizenship to Abduladhim Mohammed Maktouf,who is of Iraqi origin. He has been found guilty of crimes against humanity by first-degree verdict.

Also, the Bosnian Council of Ministers passed Decision on Seizure of the Bosnian Citizenship to Kamel Ben Karray who is of Tunisian origin.

The Bosnian Council of Ministers passed conclusion on submitting a part of the Report on the Bosnian government representatives’ Visit to the Bosnian Citizens Imprisoned at the Guantanama Bay Prison to Lakhdar Boumediene’s lawyer.The Bosnian Justice Ministry has been given directions to implement the conclusion.
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