Mlinarević Sopta on the return of BiH citizens from Czechia to BiH: They waded across the Sava and entered their country

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Ambassador of BiH to the Czech Republic Martina Mlinarević Sopta announced this morning on Facebook that last night she saw off the second repatriation of BiH citizens from the Czech Republic from Prague.

"They waited for days and weeks to finally be able to head towards Bosnia and Herzegovina. After all the regulations that called for halting the organization of the return of our citizens to their country, and the fact that BiH would not be able to organize such returns nor help with financing, solely thanks to a part of the contributions from the passengers themselves, the embassy, our diaspora in the Czech Republic, Mr. and Mrs. Drenka and Mirko Jelčić, and Mr. Tarik Altumbabić, who financially assisted their return to the greatest extent, it was made possible last night. It only took one call for dear Mr. Tarik to take the situation upon himself and within a minute complete the full payment of the remaining amount to the carrier.

The only option was by bus to the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, then on foot across the bridge over the Sava. This morning they waded across the Sava and entered their country. Just like in that song.

Once again, I thank the Crisis Staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of BiH for the coordination, and all our embassies along the route our citizens transited through, the embassies of BiH in Austria, Slovenia, and Croatia, who, in coordination with the competent authorities of the mentioned countries, enabled unimpeded transit," wrote Mlinarević Sopta.

She announced that at the beginning of next week, the evacuation of our citizens from Slovakia will be carried out in the same manner.

"These are mostly workers in the most difficult existential situation, who have been left without jobs and accommodation. The complete financing of their return, as well as incredible care for them throughout the entire pandemic, was taken on by our wonderful honorary consul in Slovakia, a man from Srebrenica, Mr. Munir Pašagić. I am happy that, amidst a heap of difficulties, all this time I am working with some of the best people I have ever met in my life. I owe huge gratitude to the dedicated staff of the embassy in Prague, who tirelessly worked with me until late night hours every day. Thank you to our citizens for their patience and trust, I wish you to be and remain healthy, with sincere regards to all your families who have been waiting for you for a long time," stated Mlinarević Sopta.