According to the security minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the number of migrants currently stands at 3,500, down from over 6,000 previously. While the overall situation is improving, the minister said, a lack of border police and equipment pose problems.
The number of migrants in Bosnia and Herzegovina has dropped to 3,500 from previous highs of more than 6,000. Yet the overall situation remains challenging, said Dragan Mektic, the country's security minister.
"I think that there are currently 3,500, but we have had situations in which there were more than 6,000," Mektic said, referring to migrants and refugees in the country.
Meeting with security agencies
Mektic comments came after a meeting with directors of the country's security agencies, on the invitation of the head of the government, Denis Zvizdic.
Mektic said if the current number of 3,500 migrants can be maintained, the number of available places in reception centers will be sufficient, even with winter on the way.
"However, we're planning to set up another reception structure, for any eventuality," Mektic said.
Problems with number of border agents, equipment
Mektic said the security agencies were lacking of 500 border police officers as well as necessary gear and equipment. He said there are also issues tied to a lack of video cameras to do the job of 50 to 80 police officers. All the neighbouring countries had such equipment, the minister said.
"Politics is in large part hindering the work of the security agencies," Mektic said.
"We're the only non-EU member country that hasn't signed an accord with Frontex, from which we could receive significant aid," he added.