Helez and EUFOR Commander Visit Boy Who Lost Nine Family Members

Minister of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina Zukan Helez, together with EUFOR Commander Major General László Sticz, today visited the boy Edi Tufek from Donja Jablanica, who suffered severe losses in the floods that hit this area in October.

During the visit, Edi was given appropriate New Year's gifts as a symbol of support and solidarity, including a seven-day stay at the recreational centre of the Hungarian Defence Forces.

One of the greatest tragedies befell little Edi, who lost nine family members in the floods, both parents, as well as his grandmother and grandfather. After being rescued in October, EUFOR received an urgent request for the evacuation of the injured boy from the flood-affected area in Donja Jablanica. Thanks to the swift intervention of a EUFOR helicopter, little Edi was evacuated from Jablanica and transferred to the Cantonal Hospital 'Safet Mujić' in Mostar, where he received medical assistance.

He is currently being cared for by his uncle Kenan, with the support of the extended family, although the torrent not only swept away his home but also the carefreeness of his childhood. On this occasion, Edi's uncle stated that Minister Helez is the only person from state structures who has visited little Edi, and the family is doing everything to provide him with the necessary support and ease this extremely difficult situation.

During the visit, Minister Helez expressed satisfaction that the boy is recovering.

"Edi is not alone, our community has a moral obligation to show solidarity and support, so that this brave boy feels he is not left to himself," said Helez.

Minister Helez promised to provide the boy Edi with continuous financial support from each of his monthly salaries, as an expression of solidarity, the Public Relations Office of the Ministry of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina announced.