OSA: In the arms procurement procedure, our opinion is not binding

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Given the media reports mentioning OSA BiH and the inquiries it received from media representatives regarding the arms procurement by the Ministry of Interior of Republika Srpska, we consider that, in order to fully and accurately inform all citizens of BiH, it is necessary to clarify the role that OSA/OBA BiH has in the process of issuing arms procurement permits, the OSA stated.

- The permit for arms procurement is issued by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH, with the written consent of the Ministry of Defence of BiH, the Ministry of Security of BiH and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of BiH. In the arms procurement procedure, OSA/OBA BiH gives an opinion that is not binding.

In the context of giving an opinion on the import/export of arms, military equipment and dual-use goods, which is not binding, and bearing in mind the Law on OSA/OBA BiH, the Agency submits its possible negative opinion if it has data on irregularities with end-user certificates; irregularities related to the shipment of arms, military equipment and dual-use goods, which may be reflected in the dispatch of the aforementioned to countries under an embargo by the UN Security Council or other international bans; or in connection with data on whether among the arms there may also be means originating from illegal sources.

Bearing in mind the need for truthful information of BiH citizens, OSA/OBA BiH emphasizes that when giving an opinion in the arms procurement procedure for the needs of the Ministry of Interior of Republika Srpska, it complied with the legally prescribed provisions - the OSA stated.