Čolak: Dumančić and Selimović must continue working

The Ministry of Justice of Bosnia and Herzegovina has submitted an opinion to the Council of Ministers of BiH that heads and their deputies whose mandates have expired should continue to perform their duties until their replacement. This was confirmed for the Patria News Agency (NAP) by Bariša Čolak, Minister of Justice of BiH.

He explained that due to the complicated security situation in BiH, he expects this situation to be resolved as soon as possible and for the directors of the BiH Border Police and the Directorate for Coordination of Police Bodies of BiH to be appointed.

- If, upon the expiry of the mandate, the competent authority does not initiate the legal appointment procedure within the deadline, or formally dismiss them, then their obligations and authorities do not cease until the legal appointment procedure is completed or until an act of dismissal is passed. We have already taken such a stance in the Council of Ministers back in 2009 - Čolak told NAP.

He further stated that Vinko Dumančić and Himzo Selimović, as well as their deputies, should perform their duties without hindrance, despite their mandates having expired.  

- We believe that we will receive new names from the Independent Board as soon as possible. It is true that the Council of Ministers of BiH has not made a decision to extend the mandates, but I don't think it is necessary to pass an appointment act either - Čolak added.

The Minister of Justice admitted, however, that the problem is that the Independent Board is also working in a technical mandate.

- The problem is that the Independent Board is also expected to be confirmed. I do not expect and there should be no consequences for the security system. They should perform their duties conscientiously and responsibly until new ones are appointed. I expect the situation to be resolved in that direction and for others to be appointed, but other bodies should also bear some responsibility - says Čolak.

The mandates of Dumančić and Selimović expired yesterday, leaving the BiH Border Police and the Directorate for Coordination of Police Bodies without legitimate leaders.