Due to Dujmović's Willfulness and Novalić's Silence: Assistance Sought from the EU and Other International Institutions

The Ministry of Culture of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina have still not responded to the appeals filed regarding the results of the Public Call for Transfers for Culture of Significance to FBiH; BiH, and of international significance, states the East West Center in a statement, reports the BiH news agency Patria.

- We appealed the unacceptable decision of Minister Zora Dujmović to destroy proven international institutions, organizations, and cultural programs in BiH. We believe this is intentional procrastination aimed at exerting pressure on us. The ultimatum, stating that our funds will be suspended if we do not sign the contracts immediately and if there is no response to our appeals, is also unacceptable.

The East West Center, the MESS International Theatre Festival, the Sarajevo Film Festival, the Bosnian National Theatre Zenica, ArsAevi, Balet Fest, and SVEM have sought assistance from the EU (Brussels and Sarajevo), OSCE (Vienna and Sarajevo), UNESCO (Paris and Sarajevo), the Council of Europe (Strasbourg), UNDP, as well as from the diplomatic missions of the USA, Germany, Great Britain, and France.

The attempt to destroy the most active cultural institutions and organizations, which are highly regarded in BiH, the region, Europe, and the world, is very dangerous and could have catastrophic consequences for society in BiH. In order to promote multiculturalism and oppose radicalism; in order to improve BiH's international standing and oppose isolation and provincialization; in order to preserve cultural values and encourage education; and in order to preserve freedom of speech and freedom of expression, we call upon these institutions for immediate action to prevent the destruction of proven professional international culture in BiH.