MOSTAR, June 27 (Hina) - Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi on Thursday marked the start of stone dressing works, with a symbolic strike of a chisel on a stone, in the reconstruction of the Old Bridge in the southern city of
Mostar.
MOSTAR, June 27 (Hina) - Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi on
Thursday marked the start of stone dressing works, with a symbolic
strike of a chisel on a stone, in the reconstruction of the Old
Bridge in the southern city of Mostar. #L#
Italy, donating 3.3 million US dollars, is the biggest individual
donor. The entire reconstruction of the city's landmark will cost
15 million dollars. Croatia has recently joined as donors,
allocating about US$500,000.
The Old Bridge, built during the Ottoman rule in Mostar in the 16th
century, was demolished by Bosnian Croat (HVO) artillery units
during the Croat-Muslim conflict in autumn 1993.
On Thursday's ceremony, Italian head of state described the
demolition of the Old Bridge as a barbaric act and an insult to the
feeling for different cultures in Europe.
"Tearing down the Old Bridge was the same as the destruction of
Buddhist statues (by the Taliban) in Afghanistan and it is a warning
for all of us," Ciampi said.
The restoration of the Old Bridge will symbolise the readiness of
Croats, Serbs and Bosniaks (Muslims) to live together in Bosnia-
Herzegovina, he added.
Italian President urged the fight against criminal in Bosnia and he
called on the protection of minority rights, describing it as a
precondition for Bosnia's integration into the European Union.
The NATO-led Stabilisation Force will not remain in Bosnia for
ever, and it is necessary for Bosnian citizens to make progress by
their own strength, Ciampi said.
The Bosnian collective presidency's chairman, Beriz Belkic said
the Old Bridge had symbolised the confidence between peoples and
religions.
"The destruction of the bridge was planned to destroy our trust in
Bosnia. But that destructive programme was predestined for the
failure," Belkic said.
(hina) ms sb