SARAJEVO, Jan 21 (Hina) - A meeting of most prominent representatives of political, religious and cultural institutions of Croats in Bosnia-Herzegovina, held this week in Sarajevo, was a result of the wish to warn about and offer
answers to dangers to which the Croatian population in Bosnia is being exposed at this moment. The purpose of the meeting was also to stir up the interest of Croats in the coming election in this country, as that ballot can be of crucial importance, the head of Bosnian Franciscan community, Friar Petar Andjelovic, told Hina on Friday. He confirmed that he had personally initiated that meeting, which took place in Sarajevo on January 18, in order that leading Bosnian Croat politicians, Catholic dignitaries and other eminent persons discuss and reach agreement at least on some key issues concerning the future of the Croat people in this country. The event gathered about doze
SARAJEVO, Jan 21 (Hina) - A meeting of most prominent
representatives of political, religious and cultural institutions
of Croats in Bosnia-Herzegovina, held this week in Sarajevo, was a
result of the wish to warn about and offer answers to dangers to
which the Croatian population in Bosnia is being exposed at this
moment. The purpose of the meeting was also to stir up the interest
of Croats in the coming election in this country, as that ballot can
be of crucial importance, the head of Bosnian Franciscan community,
Friar Petar Andjelovic, told Hina on Friday.
He confirmed that he had personally initiated that meeting, which
took place in Sarajevo on January 18, in order that leading Bosnian
Croat politicians, Catholic dignitaries and other eminent persons
discuss and reach agreement at least on some key issues concerning
the future of the Croat people in this country.
The event gathered about dozen public figures, cultural workers,
and religious dignitaries.
Present were Catholic Cardinal Vinko Puljic, the chairman of
Bosnia-Herzegovina's collective Presidency, Ante Jelavic. At the
Sarajevo meeting, which should become a regular practice, there
were leaders of almost all other political parties with the
Croatian pre-nominator - Kresimir Zubak on behalf of the Croatian
New Initiative, Ilija Simic on behalf of the HSS BiH (Croatian
Peasants' Party of Bosnia-Herzegovina), Milenko Brkic who is the
president of the Croatian National Community, Vladimir Soljic the
President of the Croat Community of Herceg-Bosna, Franjo Topic the
head of the Croat cultural society "Nepredak" and Friar Luka
Markesic on behalf of the Croatian National Council.
"All participants agreed that enabling all three nations (Croats,
Serbs and Moslems) to be constituent on the entire territory of
Bosnia-Herzegovina is a pre-condition for the survival of Croats in
this area," Friar Petar Andjelovic said.
The establishment of a body now known as "Co-ordination 2000" has
the aim to prevent the imposing of any political monopoly as well as
help make decisions which will be in the joint interest.
Zubak told Hina he had nothing against such ad hoc sessions but
cautioned that one should not forget danger that HDZ party may
exploit them to its benefit.
Friar Petar Andjelovic shared similar concern when saying that the
HDZ in a way abused this week's talks within "Co-ordination 2000" by
issuing simultaneously its document about "de-constituting Croats
in Bosnia-Herzegovina."
(hina) mm ms