Only two ministers in the Bosnian government voted for allowing those foreigners whose term expires this year to remain in Bosnia longer, and all others were against.
Justice Minister Barisa Colak presented amendments to the law on the state prosecution and on the Court of Bosnia-Herzegovina, extending of terms of office of judges and prosecutors engaged in appellate proceedings in war crimes cases after 1 January 2010 for two years.
However, the extension would not be granted for judges and prosecutors in organised crime and corruption cases.
As none of proposals won the required number of votes, it is now up to the international community's High Representative, Valentin Inzko, to decide on the extension.
Foreigners have been engaged in the Bosnian judiciary since 2003. The Court of Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Bosnian Office of State Prosecutor were established by a decision of the international peace overseer and their work is supported by international diplomats in Bosnia.
Croat and Serb politicians believe that foreign judicial personnel are conducting politically motivated proceedings. On the other hand, international representatives think that corruption is rampant in Bosnia and that the engagement of foreign judges and prosecutors is necessary in a bid to establish the rule of law.