Karić: Sarajevo among cities with the longest record of fighting fascism and hatred

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Ahead of today's regular session of the Association "Circle 99", it was stated at a press conference that Sarajevo is among the cities with the longest record of successfully confronting all forms of hatred, intolerance, nationalism and fascism.

The topic of today's session is "Sarajevo is a metaphor of modern civilization that will not be defeated!", and the introductory speaker at the session is the mayor of the Bosnian capital, Benjamina Karić, who told the public that "in Sarajevo, only during the last century, the principles on which today's united Europe rests were defended."

"Sarajevo is a European city. Our capital is among the cities with the longest record, I might say, in successfully confronting all forms of hatred, intolerance, nationalism and fascism. This area was a tough nut to crack for every conqueror, especially during the dramatic 1990s when Sarajevo defended itself and prevailed through its defiance and patience, its dream of freedom and an open future. Had Sarajevo fallen in April 1992, Europe would certainly be different today. In our Sarajevo, only during the last century, the principles on which today's united Europe rests were defended," said Karić.

"We are the conscience and hope of a growing civilization that believes that human happiness and joy lie in the free expression of differences, and that this is precisely our wealth and advantage. This is a meeting place of great civilizations that express exceptional cultures and uniqueness, but also a place where great tragedies have occurred. That is why it was not by chance called the Jerusalem of the Balkans, and even the moral capital of the world," said the mayor of Sarajevo.

"This wonderful city, a city of hospitable people, has managed to defend its soul, that eternal spirit of Sarajevo's, far-famed, tolerance and mutual respect. People are therefore our strongest and most valuable resource. Today, more than ever, we need to preserve and build that spirit which the symbols of faith and diversity have rooted, connected and merged into one. A democratic, just and open society should be the goal that guides us," said the mayor of Sarajevo.