BiH Parliamentary Military Commissioner Boško Šiljegović held a meeting with the head of the OSCE Mission in BiH

BiH Parliamentary Military Commissioner Boško Šiljegović held a meeting today with the head of the OSCE Mission in BiH, Ambassador Rick Holtzapple.

They discussed the long-term successful cooperation between the Office of the Parliamentary Military Commissioner of BiH and the OSCE Mission in BiH, the results so far and plans for the future support of the OSCE Mission to the Office of the Parliamentary Military Commissioner of BiH.

During the meeting, which took place in a constructive atmosphere, the commitment to further cooperation on strengthening transparency, accountability and democratic oversight in the Armed Forces of BiH (OSBiH) and the entire defense sector was confirmed.

Commissioner Šiljegović congratulated Ambassador Holtzapple on the 30th anniversary of the successful work of the OSCE Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and expressed his gratitude for the continuous and comprehensive support that the Mission provides to the Office of the Parliamentary Military Commissioner of Bosnia and Herzegovina since its establishment. According to Šiljegović, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina represents the most important and consistent partner in strengthening the Office's capacities, educating staff and promoting the institution of the Parliamentary Military Commissioner in and outside of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Šiljegović emphasized that the support of the OSCE Mission in BiH contributed to the successful establishment and functioning of the mechanism for democratic oversight, as well as building trust in the system of protection of basic rights and freedoms of all members of the Armed Forces of BiH.

Stating that the Office of the Parliamentary Military Commissioner represents a model of effective civilian oversight of the armed forces, which is crucial for any modern democracy, Ambassador Holtzapple expressed his satisfaction with the Office's results in resolving complaints and making recommendations, and announced that he will continue to provide technical and professional assistance to the Office of the Parliamentary Military Commissioner of BiH.

During the meeting they also discussed current challenges in the protection of human rights, promoting gender equality and the position of women in the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the possibilities of strengthening regional cooperation with related institutions that deal with the protection of human rights of members of the armed forces in Southeast European countries.

Both sides concluded that the Office of the Parliamentary Military Commissioner of BiH is an irreplaceable pillar of democratic oversight and that the continuation of close cooperation with the OSCE Mission in BiH will ensure its continued strengthening in the service of all members of the Armed Forces of BiH. (end)