Katica presents IOM chief with list of needed equipment and damage after conflict in Blažuj

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Minister of Interior of Sarajevo Canton Admir Katica and Police Commissioner Nusret Selimović with associates held a working meeting today with the head of the IOM Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Laura Lungarotti. The meeting discussed the implementation of conclusions of the Government and Assembly of Sarajevo Canton regarding the migrant crisis, as well as the recent meeting held in Ilidža, which was also attended by the Minister of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"Two important segments for further work on preventing security incidents and violations of public order and peace related to the migrant population were the specific reason for today's meeting. These are compensation for the damage we suffered during the riots in the Migrant Camp in Blažuj, a specification of equipment needed by the police for further work, and the installation of video surveillance in the municipalities of Ilidža and Hadžići," said Minister Katica.

In connection with the above, Minister Katica presented the head of the IOM mission in BiH with a list of the mentioned equipment, which includes special vehicles, protective equipment for police officers, and compensation for damage suffered in Blažuj. Also presented was a study on the installation of video surveillance in the municipalities of Ilidža and Hadžići, and a promise was received that it would be financed.

During the discussion, the possibility of installing a tunnel at the entrance to the camp with cameras for facial recognition was also proposed, to facilitate monitoring and identification of migrants entering and leaving the camp.

Regarding the installation of fencing and house rules in the camp, IOM representatives stated that the repair of the fence is ongoing, that house rules exist and are being implemented.

"The police will continue to perform their duties in a professional and efficient manner. We will do everything we can to mitigate the consequences of the migrant crisis in the Sarajevo Canton area. We hope that other competent authorities will also complete the activities they have started," concluded Minister Katica at the end of the meeting.