B-H BISHOP'S CONFERENCE COMMENCES

( Editorial: --> 2565 ) MOSTAR, 17 Feb (Hina) - The two-day meeting Bosnia-Herzegovina Bishop's Conference commenced on Tuesday in Mostar. Opening the proceedings, chairman of the B-H Bishops' Conference Cardinal Vinko Puljic, expressed how the Catholic church supports the endeavours and rights of all people to return to their homes. It is necessary, said Cardinal Puljic "to create conditions so that it is accomplished in freedom and security". According to Cardinal Puljic, "equality of peoples, cultures and faiths in all areas of B-H is a condition for true peace in that country". "We're confused by attempts in some areas to deny the freedom to practice faith," said Cardinal Puljic, espousing that B- H be organised as a civilised society. Cardinal Puljic said that the Catholic church advocates the progress of ecumenical cooperation with the Serb Orthodox church and dialogue with the Jewish community in B-H. Puljic said that the Catholic church has the important task of establishing cooperation with socio-political players in that country as well. The Cardinal advocated the "signing of an agreement between the Holy See and Bosnia-Herzegovina so that the Catholic church could have a responsible position and possibility of working in that organisation". He also announced that a program for cooperation between the B-H Bishops' Conference and Croatian Bishops' Conference will be considered at the meeting. (hina) jn mrb 171709 MET feb 98