Sattler with Reis Kavazović: Discussion on vaccines, Srebrenica, politics

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Today, the Grand Mufti of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Husein-ef. Kavazović, received the Head of the Delegation of the European Union, Ambassador Johann Sattler, in his office. At the beginning, Ambassador Sattler thanked the Grand Mufti for yesterday's appeal addressed to BiH officials, intellectuals, and ulema, calling on them – especially politicians – to communicate politely with the public, and not to use hate speech, slander, and insinuations in mutual relations, but to focus on saving human lives and solving people's problems. He emphasized that he is personally committed to the well-being of Bosnia and Herzegovina, despite being accused by some circles of bias and leaning towards one side. He proposed that in this non-election year, religious leaders should gather and send positive words, words of hope and comfort to the people, and preferably do so together with political leaders.

The Grand Mufti, for his part, asked Ambassador Sattler to advocate with European officials in Brussels for the urgent delivery of vaccines to Bosnia and Herzegovina from the Covax system, noting that the pandemic situation in our country is truly alarming.

Ambassador Sattler also informed the Grand Mufti that the European Union wants to implement a project here that would involve an equal number of imams, priests, and clergymen, to whom European values that our country should adopt on its path towards European integration would be presented, and the principles on which the Union is based would be explained.

Mr. Sattler asked the Grand Mufti how best to help returnees in Srebrenica, as well as all other returnees, so that they feel safe and remain in their homes.

The Grand Mufti said that the European Union should focus on Srebrenica and ensure equal living conditions for everyone living in that city.