CROATIAN BISHOPS ISSUE STATEMENT IN KRK

KRK, Oct 23 (Hina) - Croatian bishops believe that when judging defence actions of an internationally recognised country like Croatia, it is necessary to have in mind the entire vision of war events and the war events on its territory must not be taken out of their historical context, nor can consequences be observed apart from their causes because this cannot lead to the objective truth. #L# In a statement released from a plenary session of the Croatian Bishops' Conference held on Krk Island and reported by the Ika Catholic News Agency, the bishops noted that "certain individual acts are not completely isolated without any connection to their causes or circumstances." "Following the proclamation and international recognition of Croatia, it was an obligation and right for every citizen to defend that integrity and sovereignty. That means a justified approach and correct relationship towards the war events, with the desire to have individuals answer for their acts, we ask that each individual act be observed in the context of the war, its causes and consequences. An individual who is in a position to defend is subjectively and objectively faced with different circumstances than the individual who is attacking. If this is forgotten in international and domestic courts or is not taken sufficiently into account, it appears like the aggressor and victim are being equalised. This is unacceptable because this causes mistrust towards state and international institutions," the statement released by the Croatian bishops said. It continues to state that all courts need to have a pedagogical purpose - to discourage anyone who causes evil and to encourage and motivate anything that is in good faith. Reminding that one of the fundamental principles of the social teachings of the Church - peace as an act of justice and the fruit of love - the bishops believe that in the process of peace building, one needs to keep in mind the need to satisfy justice. "The lack of a just approach creates a feeling amongst citizens of powerlessness, hopelessness and a feeling of loss. It creates a nauseating feeling that the endeavour to struggle for a just relationship and status is useless, and creates a feeling of defeat in noble and just yearnings. Such an environment does not allow coexistence, dialogue and forgiveness, nor a unity which is in a position to accept others and to forgive everyone. This cannot be good in any way nor a good starting point for the realisation of goals set by the international community, regardless of how much these objectives are desired and worthwhile in the long-run. With all gratitude to international institutions for all they did to stop the war and establish peace, we are concerned with some steps which do not justify the expectations that we will come to the objective truth about the war and the suffering in our Homeland," the bishops pointed out. The bishops believe that the Croatian people, like other nations, has the right to a dignified life in their own state, founded on the objective evaluation of their struggle for freedom, among other things. "During the defence war, we suffered and prayed. Now we call on the faithful and citizens to build our homeland in harmony and love, respecting God's commandments and heartily promoting Christian and human values that the war brought into question in people and amongst the people who live in these regions," the statement said. The bishops also emphasised that at the current moment, there was a high level of unity with regard to the objective truth about the defence war fought by the Croatian people, in which they see a guarantee for Croatia's ability to successfully overcome any internal post-war difficulties and external pressure. (hina) sp lml sb