Explaining conclusions from a recent three-day session of the Bosnian Bishops' Conference, Puljic said that bishops wanted to encourage steps that would preserve Bosnia-Herzegovina as a multicultural country guaranteeing the equal status of all the ethnic communities living in it.
"We stand by our positions," the cardinal said, recalling that earlier this year the Bishops' Conference had offered its proposal for the regional reorganisation of the country.
In a joint written statement issued after their latest session, the bishops expressed their regret over failure by Bosnian Croat politicians to offer programmes that would have encouraged the Croat electorate to ensure through their votes the common good of their people and the country as a whole.
Despite that, the bishops expressed hope that newly-elected officials at all levels would take into consideration the common good of the people they represent and "finally take more resolute steps in fully redressing the unequal position of the Croat people" in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The bishops also hope that the new government would withstand "all undemocratic pressures" and "promulgate a constitution guaranteeing the equality of all three constituent peoples."
Responding to a reporter's question, Puljic said that after the October 1 general election he had not met any officials from political parties representing the Croat people in Bosnia-Herzegovina, but noted that he remained open to talks.
He pointed out that his readiness for talks should not be interpreted as his support for any particular politician or their ideas, but that it was a bishop's duty to hear different views on important matters.