US Embassy: We do not plan training involving firearms that RS is purchasing from Serbia

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - We do not plan training involving firearms that RS is purchasing from Serbia, the Public Relations Office of the United States Embassy in Sarajevo told the Patria news agency.

Domestic and international media have reported that the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Republika Srpska is procuring 2,500 rifles, and also reminded that the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Republika Srpska and representatives of the Russian Federation had previously signed a Memorandum of Cooperation.

The Minister of Internal Affairs of the Bosnian entity Republika Srpska, Dragan Lukač, told reporters that "it is not true that any Russian special forces, operatives, or anyone from that country will participate in the training of the Special Police Unit of Republika Srpska or any other members of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Republika Srpska."

"There are no Russians in Zalužani, nor will there be, nor are there any intentions for them to conduct training with the special units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Republika Srpska or the police of Republika Srpska," Lukač said.

He added that, as in previous years, training with "RS special forces" will be conducted by their colleagues from America, as well as European police forces.

The Public Relations Office of the US Embassy in Sarajevo told Patria that the United States is committed to helping ensure the stability and security of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This long-standing partnership includes training for special police units at the state level, in Republika Srpska, the Federation of BiH, and Brčko District. All Embassy programs are aimed at strengthening the capacity of police forces to fulfill their duties and protect all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"We do not plan training that would involve firearms that RS is purchasing from Serbia," the US Embassy concluded.