The Ambassador of Germany to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Thomas Fitschen, commented on the recent decision by High Representative Christian Schmidt to unblock the functioning of the National and University Library of BiH.
In his statement on Schmidt’s decision, Fitschen described the National Library as a treasure of BiH.
“The staffing and financial issues of the National and University Library are concerning. It not only preserves valuable bibliophilic treasures from the old library, destroyed in 1992, but it is also responsible for assigning the international numbering system for publications. Without this valid international registration, new publications from BiH cannot be issued or purchased by libraries worldwide,” the ambassador stated.
If the library were forced to close, it would leave behind magnificent new literature from this region, which is of interest to all of Europe, as well as scientific works – unread and unknown.
“Therefore, the order given by High Representative Christian Schmidt to the Council of Ministers to save the library and appoint a person to temporarily manage its operations within seven days came at the right time. I hope this will also send a signal to politicians that they must take responsibility for other state cultural institutions in BiH,” Ambassador Fitschen concluded.
