CHIEF PROSECUTOR OF POBIH MET WITH THE AMBASSADOR OF THE REPUBLIC OF AUSTRIA

Chief Prosecutor of the Prosecutor’s Office of BiH Goran Salihović and associates met with the Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to BiH, H.E. Donatus Kock.

The activities and capacities of the Prosecutor’s Office of BiH in the work on organized crime, corruption and economic crime were discussed at meeting.

Chief Prosecutor informed the parties present about the efforts of the Prosecutor’s Office of BiH in many complex cases relating to major abuses of office and the processing of several cases related to corruption offenses, which will be among the priorities of the Prosecutor’s Office of BiH.

Prosecutor Salihović pointed out that the Prosecutor’s Office of BiH is decisive to counter corruption and strengthen the rule of law, and that no one will be untouchable.

Developments related to the Hypo Alpe-Adria Bank in Bosnia and Herzegovina were also discussed where the Chief Prosecutor informed the attendees that the Prosecutor’s Office is following the prosecution of this case before the entity courts and that the Prosecutor’s Office has requested and received sometime in mid April, a segment of the case relating to the Hypo Alpe-Adria Bank from the Federation Prosecutor’s Office.

The Federation Police Department should submit documents relating to this case as well.

Chief Prosecutor pointed out that this case shall be considered a priority because it affects the international reputation of BiH.

The Ambassador informed the Prosecutor about the instances of certain illegal fraudulent activities of persons from Bosnia and Herzegovina against other BiH citizens who apply for work visas i.e. citizens are being asked for money to obtain a visa, suggesting that the BiH judiciary should investigate these illegal activities noting that these persons are operating in several other countries apart from BiH.

Representatives of the Embassy of Austria commended the efforts of the Prosecutor’s Office of BiH in the prosecution of organized crime and corruption, and wished the Chief Prosecutor every success in his future endeavors.

The meeting participants emphasized the importance of implementing the recommendations of the structural dialogue on judicial reform. Guests from Austria pointed out that strengthening cooperation among the prosecutor’s offices in the region is essential for efficient prosecution of war crimes, organized crime and corruption.

The importance of strengthening the cooperation between the judiciary of Austria and BiH was also highlighted at the meeting.

Prosecutor Salihović stressed that activities aimed at strengthening cooperation with prosecutor’s offices in the region are continuing, and that a Protocol on cooperation in prosecution of  War Crimes  will be concluded on June 3, 2013 between the Prosecutor’s Office of BiH and the State Attorney’s Office of the Republic of Croatia.

Meeting participants pointed out that the strengthening of judicial institutions, judicial independence, the establishment of the rule of law and independence in the appointment of prosecutors are core elements for the upcoming process of European integration of Bosnia and Herzegovina, attracting investments to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the progress and development of Bosnia and Herzegovina.