Ambassadors of France, Slovenia and the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina Guillaume Rousson, Zorica Bukinac and Bruce G. Berton planted their lime trees in the Ambassadors’ Alley today in Sarajevo.

Ambassador Rousson pointed out that tree planting is an excellent and exciting idea for two reasons.

“The first is the fact that I have the opportunity to plant a tree here, which means giving recognition to your efforts, and the second one, it fits into the idea we advocate, which is to ensure as much clean air as possible on our planet Earth,” said Rousson.

Ambassador of Slovenia Zorica Bukinac stated that this is a beautiful tradition, and that she is honored to have been given an opportunity to plant her lime tree.

“This tradition has a deeper meaning for Slovenia. Lime tree is a Slovenian national tree. Leaf of the lime tree is a symbol of Slovenia and through the centuries, lime trees were a place of gathering of Slovenians when they did not have their own country. By planting this tree, I also leave a part of my heart in Sarajevo," Bukinac said, and promised that she would regularly visit and take care of her tree.

The OSCE Mission Ambassador Berton emphasized that it is a great honor to be part of this project and to have a chance to leave his mark in the Ambassadors’ Alley.

“I hope that all that I have been doing in BiH would leave a greater mark than the planting of a lime tree itself. Our main goal is to work here as long as we are needed in this country and as long as institutions and people of this country need our help,” said Berton.