Pirc Musar: Slovenia and BiH have always been connected by a strong friendly bond

(Patria) - The President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr. Nataša Pirc Musar, stated this evening in Ljubljana that Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina have always been connected by a strong friendly bond, which is reflected in mutual support.

She addressed the ceremonial academy on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Mufti's Office of the Islamic Community in Slovenia, which was attended by the Rais al-Ulama of the Islamic Community in BiH, muftis, members of the Rijaset and Sabor, other officials of the Islamic Community, officials of the Republic of Slovenia and the City of Ljubljana, as well as representatives of other religious communities, the diplomatic corps, and public life in Slovenia.

Speaking about this jubilee of the Islamic Community, the President of Slovenia assessed that it has broader significance and is undoubtedly part of a larger story.

- These 30 years are only the more recent part of a rich history that dates far back, before 1994 when the Mufti's Office was founded. It is a continuation of the centuries-long presence of Muslims in Slovenian territories, as your roots go back to the historical turning point, the construction of the mosque in Log pod Mangartom, which in 1917 represented a symbol of coexistence.

Throughout history, Muslims have participated in shaping the former common state and significantly contributed to Slovenia's independence, thereby laying a firm foundation for the continuation of coexistence and common development - stated President Pirc Musar.

She added that the second half of the last century was strongly marked by long-term efforts to build a mosque in Ljubljana. As she pointed out, that process was not simple.

- The construction of the second mosque was not just a physical construction, but also a political and social issue, regarding which I have always had a clear opinion. The Slovenian space has gone through a process of evolution: from insecurity, fears, and disagreements, to the moment when we accepted the mosque as our part, as a contribution to the beauty of our cultural landscape.

Its presence in our capital city proves the journey we have taken as a society. Today, at this ceremony, we truly confirm the growth and success of the Islamic Community in the Republic of Slovenia - she emphasized.

She conveyed that Muslims are not only members of a religious community but also important creators of intercultural dialogue and participants in an open and inclusive society who feel responsible for the common future.

- While we celebrate the successes of our society, we also remember its failures, but unfortunately, we cannot ignore the reality in which we live - she said on this occasion.

She stated that there are as many as 55 war zones in the world, where suffering, fear, and insecurity daily endanger the lives of innocent people - Ukraine, the Middle East, and especially the Palestinians in Gaza, are undergoing brutal attacks, making life there impossible.

- The number of civilian casualties, including children, unfortunately, is terrifyingly high. That is why I am concerned, and I know I am not alone, because the line of ordinary armed conflict was crossed long ago - we have stepped into a dark, threatening, inhumane, and brutal area of genocide.

Humanity has already tasted the darkest forms of evil throughout history - the Holocaust, Rwanda, the genocide in Srebrenica. The modern world should not allow such horrors, yet it does. We can only helplessly watch as the United Nations is paralyzed, where humanity is trampled by vetoes, most often by only two permanent members of the Security Council - she stated.

She added that in addition to all this, today we are also facing a worrying trend of relativizing historical facts and rewriting history, which poses an additional danger to peace and security in the world.

- Therefore, in these crisis times, the role of religious representatives is even more important. Your ability and willingness to touch hearts and encourage people to respect human dignity are invaluable.

Today, when representatives of the largest religious communities in Slovenia and beyond are gathered here, it is the right time to remind you of this and ask you to always help your believers and encourage them to spread compassion and kindness in the community - said Pirc Musar.

Despite the difficult times and challenges we face, it is inspiring to see that there are projects and individuals who are not indifferent to these issues, she continued. She believes this proves that even in the darkest times, hope and solidarity are not lost.

- I am pleased that the Republic of Slovenia can boast a firm political stance in condemning genocidal policies and ideologies, thereby sending a clear message that human rights violations must not go unpunished.

I am especially proud that the Republic of Slovenia, Slovenian Caritas, and the Danilo Türk Foundation, which has previously cared for Palestinian children and helped them recover, have enabled the rehabilitation of ten children from Gaza at URI Soča.

We are also grateful to the volunteers of the Islamic Community, who, through their volunteer work, engage children, thereby brightening their days and bringing light into their lives - said the President.

She emphasized that Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina have always been connected by a strong friendly bond, reflected in mutual support, and that especially during the war in the 90s, Slovenia showed its friendly and humanitarian side by accepting about 70,000 refugees, which further strengthened these ties.

- Today, Bosnia is unfortunately facing a new ordeal - devastating floods that have hit the Jablanica area. Numerous families have been left homeless, and some have lost their loved ones in this disaster. The residents of Jablanica and the surrounding areas face a long and demanding path of reconstruction, which will require a lot of perseverance, but also solidarity - she said.

She conveyed "to all friends from Bosnia and Herzegovina - that Slovenia is with you".

- In these difficult times, we stand with all those affected by this disaster and will help you not only to rebuild destroyed homes but also strive to restore the hope that many have lost.

At today's ceremony, I want to remind you that next year will mark 30 years since the genocide in Srebrenica. I will be there, because I feel I must be there, I will be there because I want Slovenia to also remember the 8372 victims, 8372 individuals who lost their lives due to the cruelty of fellow humans - said the President of Slovenia.

She congratulated the Mufti and members of the Islamic Community on the jubilee and expressed gratitude for their contribution to the development of Slovenia.

- Successes and failures, difficult and beautiful events are part of our lives. No one can ever change history; the present and future can be shaped by our relationships, help, and solidarity in difficult times, as well as by jointly commemorating beautiful moments. Today, this moment.

What was yesterday is worth remembering; what will be tomorrow, we do not know, but we can help shape the future so that it is beautiful, pleasant, and friendly for us. Only such relationships give meaning to life and create a sense of security. Today, therefore, we celebrate not only the past but also the future - she concluded.

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