Minister Osmić, Mrs Virani, Mrs Soumalainen, distinguished guests; it is a real pleasure to be here today with you to mark the commencement of the Explode project (Explosive Ordnance and Remnants of War Destruction Project).

The existence of large stockpiles of unstable and surplus ammunition poses a significant risk to the safety and security of citizens in this country. For this reason, we have supported the efforts of the Ministry of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina aimed at the destruction of old and obsolete ammunition since 2008. These efforts have been highly successful: About 10.500 tons of unstable and surplus ammunition were destroyed. Moreover, Bosnia and Herzegovina has become one of the first countries in the region that has fulfilled its obligations under Art 3 of the UN Convention on Cluster Munitions through the destruction of the related cluster ammunition stockpile. I would like to congratulate Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Ministry of Defence on this achievement!

The delivery of concrete results allowed us to further scale up the provision of our assistance through the EXPLODE project. Together with this project which we support with 3.8 million €, the EU will thus have contributed more than 8 million € to the improved safety and security of BiH citizens.

The Explode project will run for 28 months. We expect that the project will result in a reduction of unstable and surplus ammunition that is currently estimated at 6,000 tons. It will be ensured that this ammunition is destroyed in a controlled manner, with full respect for environment and safety standards. The project will help the Ministry of Defence to further build up capacities in ammunition stockpile management. The project will also improve safety standards in the military storage depots through upgrades of infrastructure.

For the implementation of this project, EU has again chosen UNDP as a partner, relying on the great professionalism and expertise of UNDP and the trust that UNDP and its implementation team has rightly gained with all partners. We are also delighted that OSCE with its long standing involvement in the arms control area has joined our partnership. The contribution of all partners, both national and international is needed to continue to accelerate the pace of ammunition destruction.

Let me underline in this context that the majority of stockpile will soon be more than 30 years old, and that the risk of accidental explosions is increasing. At the current speed and given that not all ammunition destruction facilities can be used, another 15 years will be needed before the task will be completed. We urge therefore all the national stakeholders, to facilitate the process of ammunition destruction, and build on the successful work done over the past years.

I would like to close my speech by expressing the recognition and support of the European Union for the important efforts that you, Minister Osmić, and your Ministry are undertaking to increase security and safety of the citizens in this country. Many thanks and congratulations to everybody involved in the Project for their contribution and efforts. I wish you success with the implementation, and I am looking forward to learn about the progress that will be achieved.