Nearly 200 linden trees planted in the Alley of Ambassadors, a memory even after leaving Bosnia and Herzegovina

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - A unique tradition in Stari Grad, allowing ambassadors accredited in our country to leave a lasting mark by planting a linden tree, was today held for the ambassadors of Austria, Italy and UNHCR. The linden trees in the Alley of Ambassadors were planted by Ulrike Hartmann, Ambassador of the Republic of Austria, Anne-Christine Eriksson, UNHCR Regional Representative for Southeast Europe, and Nicola Minasi, Ambassador of the Republic of Italy. Their hosts were the Mayor of Stari Grad Municipality Ibrahim Hadžibajrić, Chairman of the Stari Grad Municipal Council Samir Muhić, and his deputies Vedran Dodik and Sanel Dragolovčanin.

From 2002 until today, a linden tree has been planted by as many as 198 ambassadors from various countries, as well as leading international organizations. According to many who have had the opportunity to plant a linden tree, this is a unique project worldwide, conceived by the Stari Grad Municipality. This was confirmed today by Ambassador Hartmann.

"A truly excellent idea. I am happy to have my own linden tree in this wonderful place, which I will visit to see its progress, and I will strive during my mandate to also see the progress of the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina," said Her Excellency Hartmann after the planting.

UNHCR Regional Representative for Southeast Europe, the Finn Anne-Christine Eriksson, will soon leave our country as her mandate ends.

"Thank you very much to the Stari Grad Municipality and Mayor Ibrahim Hadžibajrić for the opportunity and honor to receive my tree here. I also see this as recognition of UNHCR's work in this country over many years, working for the most vulnerable categories of people," said Ambassador Eriksson. She added that the good results of the organization she leads would not be possible without good cooperation with all institutions, organizations and citizens of our country.

His Excellency Ambassador Nicola Minasi is the fifth ambassador of the Republic of Italy to plant a linden tree in the Alley of Ambassadors.

"I have been in Sarajevo for two and a half years and I truly feel as if this is my city; I am sad at the thought that I will have to leave Sarajevo. However, I think I will return to see how this tree of mine grows," stated Ambassador Minasi.

The Mayor of Stari Grad Municipality, Ibrahim Hadžibajrić, said that the number of linden trees is approaching the significant number of 200.

"With today's planting, we have 198 linden trees here. I hope that in the coming months, October and November, we will surpass the number 200 because new accredited ambassadors from several countries have arrived in Sarajevo, and we will offer them to participate in this project as well, so we will continue this tradition that began in 2002," said Mayor Hadžibajrić.