prijava
VIENNA/SARAJEVO, November 8 (FENA) - Minister of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina Dragan Mektić led the BiH delegation at the Salzburg Forum ministerial conference in Vienna yesterday.
The interior and security ministers discussed combating illegal migration and combating trafficking in human beings, which was particularly pronounced when the migrant crisis emerged.
It was emphasized that effective combating of illegal migration, smuggling of people and other issues related to border and internal security require coordinated and inter-sectoral cooperation within each country, as well as adequate mechanisms and measures at regional and global level that will enable more efficient management of this area in the future.
Mektić emphasized that the competent institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina are engaged to the maximum when it comes to the implementation of the Emergency Action Plan to combat illegal migration, with a focus on deterring and preventing migrants from crossing the state border illegally, primarily with eastern neighbors of BiH.
“However, despite the maximum involvement of all relevant institutions and organizations, the situation on the ground is constantly complicated, especially in the local communities where the reception centers are located. Therefore, I appeal for urgent and synchronized action by all key stakeholders in BiH, the European Union and other international organizations.
All our institutions have been working in very difficult conditions for a long time, under great pressure and with insufficient human, logistical and financial resources,” said Mektić.
He stressed that urgent action must be taken to prevent illegal migration "which has turned into human trafficking and has become a more lucrative business than drug trafficking."
“We will also not allow BiH to become the end destination for migrants,” Mektic said, urging the European Union to promptly come up with a proposal for a solution to the migrant crisis. He indicated that countries on the migrant route must abide by readmission agreements and actively work to prevent trafficking in human beings.
In this context, he called on the ministers to form joint investigative teams, intensify international cooperation in the fight against organized groups that smuggle migrants, conduct operations with both the Western Balkan countries and the European Union.
The presence of Mektić at a conference in Vienna aroused great media interest, especially with regards to the migrant situation and security in the region, the BiH Ministry of Security said.
(FENA) S. R.
