CONFIDENCE LEADS TO COEXISTENCE OF CROATS AND SERBS-BISHOP SRAKIC

BERAK, May 16 (Hina) - Since May 7, Croat returnees to eastern village of Berak have been staging rallies demanding to learn of the truth about their dearest ones whose whereabouts have been unknown since the Homeland War and insisting that those who committed crimes against Croats should be brought to justice. The protest of Berak villagers is continuing while promises given by local and state authorities seem to be insufficient for the discontinuation of rallies and of villagers' "pursuit of justice in streets." They are also keeping vigil in front of a big cross erected in the centre of the village. Their rallies commenced in the wake of the discovery of a mass grave in the village. The protesters said the tension between Croat returnees and local Serbs, whom returnees suspect of having committed war crimes, has been simmering for some time. The start of exhumations in the area has stirred up emotions, and Croatian returnees are indignant at the fact that criminal proceedings for war crimes have been instigated against no Serb from Berak where the mass grave was discovered in the beginning of May. Twenty nine (29) Berak residents are still registered as missing persons The returnees' discontent has increased after they realised that it would take much time until light could be shed on the fate of their missing relatives. One of those that are trying to relieve tension is the Roman Catholic Church. "What we least need now is injudicious actions which may spoil everything achieved so far in the peaceful reintegration of our Danube River Area," said Bishop of Djakovo-Sirmium, Msgr. Marin Srakic, during his visit to protesters last week. I particularly strongly advise and request that individuals or street do not take law in their own hands. Or, we would plunge into violence, th Roman Catholic dignitary stressed. He said everybody should show full understanding for problems of returnees. These people should be understood as they have experienced many hard moments in their short lives. They were expelled, in exile they had many unpleasant and discouraging experiences. Finally, since their return to their homes, they have been facing another trauma. They had expected a different return, Srakic explained. He pointed to the problem that pre-war strong Christian communities in villages in eastern Slavonia did not exist any longer. Therefore, the main task of priests coming back to these parishes is to renew such communities, he added. Bishop Srakic also expected much from ecumenical dialogue, particularly with the local Serb Orthodox Church. We agree in principle that our contacts and meetings should have positive impacts on our faithful so that they resume dialogue as well. However, biggest problems are cropping up on the ground during the contacts between ordinary people. Although all Serbs did not commit crimes, those who suffered usually identify these people due to their national descent, with perpetrators, Srakic said. A basic condition for coexistence of Croats and Serbs, according to him, is the building of confidence. Without confidence it is hard to expect a step forward in the further process of re-establishing life values and joy in the Croatian Danube River Area, the Catholic Bishop said. In this respect, the Catholic Church in the area has been organising seminars on the establishment of confidence and reconciliation inviting Orthodox Church representatives, Evangelists, Moslems as well as others to express their views on the matter on such occasions. (hina) ms