SIPA

“Foreign Fighters” was a topic of a two-day workshop organised by FBI and ICITAP in the premises of the State Investigation and protection Agency (SIPA) in Istočno Sarajevo. The workshop was opened today (02/12/2014) by Charge d'Affaires of the US Embassy in BiH Nicholas Hill. The workshop was attended by directors and managers of security authorities at all levels in B&H and representatives of the Prosecutor's Office B&H. The lectures were given by FBI and local experts in the anti-terrorism field.

Nicholas Hill commended overall efforts of Bosnia and Herzegovina in fighting terrorism. “I would like to thank Director Zubac who is a key leader and ally in the fight against terrorism“, Hill said. He also pointed out that the workshop is an opportunity to decide jointly on the best ways to solve the issue of foreign fighters in BiH. "You, members of law enforcement agencies, have the task to ensure that the activities carried out in the name of ISIL in the Middle East are not transferred here in BiH whether against American, European or BH institutions and citizens," Hill said.  

The participants were also greeted by the US Embassy Legal Attaché Luis Quesada and ICITAP Director Charles Bennet. On behalf of the FBI, Quesada thanked participants for attending the workshop, which was one in series of workshops and pointed out that the key to success is working together to achieve the same goal.The workshop participants were also greeted by SIPA Director Goran Zubac who expressed his pleasure and honour that SIPA hosted the workshop. He said that the workshop was an opportunity to exchange experiences and best practices learned from concrete actions in the fight against terrorism, and that this event would contribute to the improvement and continuation of cooperation in this area. The SIPA Director reminded of the results of recent SIPA operations. "The fight against terrorism is one of the main priorities of the State Investigation and Protection Agency, and that fight will be continued in the future as SIPA usually does it: decisively and uncompromisingly", Zubac concluded.

ICITAP Director Charles Bennet also emphasised significance of joint efforts in fighting terrorism. He said that only joint efforts could ensure peace and safe environment, not only in BiH but in Europe and worldwide.