Security minister calls for closing of Sarajevo Airport over coronavirus threat

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Sarajevo International Airport should be closed for passengers immediately, because the individuals and companies from some countries are abusing it, said Security Minister Fahrudin Radoncic amid the country's efforts to contain the coronavirus outbreak and its further spread.

Radoncic wrote on his Instagram that the airport in Bosnian capital should remain open for the transport of goods.

“The Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (one of two Bosnia’s semi-autonomous regions) is the owner of the Sarajevo International Airport and, also, the same Government has activated the Federation’s Civil Protection HQ which, indeed, works efficiently and is passing excellent measures. It would be necessary that they send a request towards the Coordination Body of Bosnia and Herzegovina for Protection and Rescue, just like the Border Police of Bosnia and Herzegovina did,” said Radoncic, who chairs the state rescue and protection coordination body.

If such demand is filed, the Council of Ministers can immediately close the airport down at a proposal of the Coordination Body, Radoncic said.

According to him, the state ministers will ban entry for all foreigners to Bosnia and Herzegovina at a session scheduled for Tuesday.

Only rare categories such as EUFOR, NATO and such will be exempted,” said the minister.