Defense Minister praises Central Bosnia Canton police after incident involving armed men during Vucic visit

Helez said that after receiving information from citizens that a group of armed men, who were not part of the officially registered security detail of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, had been moving through the Central Bosnia Canton, members of the Special Police Unit immediately launched a search. According to Helez, when the officers located and approached the group, the men fled the scene.

"For Aleksandar Vucic, controversies like this are, unfortunately, nothing new. His visits to the region are often accompanied by political tensions and actions that raise questions about respect for domestic institutions and established procedures. I would remind the public that just over a year ago, Vucic allegedly attempted to enter a charity dinner in the United States under a false name and, after being discovered, was removed," Helez wrote.

He added that, in his view, Vucic once again failed to demonstrate respect for the institutions of the host country but that this time "received an appropriate response."

"If the same rules apply to all foreign delegations, then they must also apply to the President of Serbia and his entourage. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, no one has the right to bypass security procedures or expect special treatment," Helez said.