Representatives of HKD Napredak – Zagreb inform President Milanović of problems due to conflict with central administration in Sarajevo

The President of the Republic Zoran Milanović held a meeting with the leadership of the “Hrvatsko kulturno društvo Napredak – HKD Zagreb” (Croatian Cultural Society Napredak – Zagreb). The delegation included Society president Zlatko Vlajčić, vice-president Draško Semren, secretary-general Ivan Marić, Board members and past presidents Miljenko Puljić and academician Tomislav Dubravac, and Board member and former vice-president Ivica Kisić.

Representatives of HKD Napredak – Zagreb informed President Milanović of the activities and goals of the new leadership that was elected last May, but also of problems they are facing due to a conflict with the central administration in Sarajevo. In their view HKD Napredak – Zagreb has been prevented from using the offices in the centre of Zagreb which HKD Napredak – Zagreb has been using for decades as the main branch office of HKD Napredak. This has been going on for several years, entrance to the Napredak building has been prohibited to the members. They warned that the situation is doing damage to the reputation of the Society and all its members.

We care about the name and reputation of HKD Napredak, and wish to reach an agreement with the central administration so that we can freely make use of our facilities and carry out the activities for which HKD Napredak was founded in 1902.

HKD Napredak was founded with the goal of helping pupils and students and awarding scholarships to those primarily from Bosnia and Herzegovina, and subsequently to all those in need of financial assistance. The Society deals with publishing, promoting culture, sciences, music and sports. HKD Napredak Zagreb was formally founded in 1921 – although its activities began in Zagreb as early as in 1907 and operated until 1949. The assembly that renewed operations of the main Zagreb branch office was held in 1992.

Alongside President Milanović at the meeting was the Special Adviser of the President for Culture Zdravko Zima.

PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Ana Marija Katić