BOSNIAN ARMY AND EUFOR SIGNED MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON MANAGEMENT/INSPECTION SYSTEM OF AMMUNITION STORAGE SITES

SARAJEVO, Bosnia (May 9,2008) - A ceremony was held at Pazaric Krupa to formally sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Commander of the Bosnian Army General Sifet Podzic and the Commander of the European Union Force in Bosnia (EUFOR) General Ignacio Villalaín, which states the responsibilities of the Bosnian Armed Forces and role of the EUFOR, regarding the establishment of management /inspection systems at ammunition storage sites in Bosnia.

This progress demonstrates the continued commitment between the Bosnian Army and EUFOR, to further advance the defence reform process, EUFOR said.

At the ceremony,General Villalain stated: “It is with great pleasure that we are here today to acknowledge another fundamental stage for the Bosnian Army to fully accept the responsibility of management and inspection of their ammunition storage sites, in support of the defence reform process. The signing of the MoU further emphasises the cooperation and commitment between the Bosnian Army and EUFOR to maintain a safe and secure environment in Bosnia.”

“I would also like to take this opportunity to comment on another task which is at a crucial stage at the moment, which is the requirement for legislation to regulate Civilian Movement Control of weapons, ammunition and military equipment. EUFOR cannot hand over this responsibility until appropriate legislation is introduced. Draft legislation is in the Parliamentary process at present and I call on all involved to work towards adoption of this legislation,” he added.
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