High Representative Christian Schmidt visited Stolac on Tuesday and met with principals of the Stolac Elementary School and the Stolac First Elementary School – operating under the “two schools under one roof” system – Katarina Matić and Adem Haračić respectively. Schmidt urged authorities in all parts of BiH to work harder on eradicating all forms of discrimination in BiH’s education system.
The peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina should be able to continue to learn, work, and live together as they have done for generations, concluded the High Representative and emphasized that it is good and necessary the entire school will now be renovated following last year’s earthquake. At the same time, progress and positive developments in Stolac should be recognized by the public.
High Representative also met with Stolac Mayor Stjepan Bošković to discuss the overall situation in this town. The High Representative argued that more dialogue across ethnic and party lines is the only way to make progress: “It is important for all citizens of Stolac to find their common ground and move things forward for the sake of a better future for all. Authorities need to create a safe and stable environment to attract investments and persuade young people to stay and live in this beautiful town,” said the High Representative.
During his meeting with the Head of the Executive Board of the Stolac Islamic Community Majlis Orhan Tikveša, the High Representative underscored the importance of interreligious understanding and dialogue, and upholding equal rights for all faiths, as this is the only way to preserve the rich and diverse tapestry that makes the BiH society. The High Representative also visited the site of the future Muslim cemetery as proposed by the City of Stolac.
