WORK BEGINS ON BUILDING HOLY SEE EMBASSY IN SARAJEVO

( Editorial: --> 8751 ) SARAJEVO, April 22 (Hina) - A blessing by Sarajevo Archbishop Cardinal Vinko Puljic marked the start of work on building a new Apostolic Nunciature in the Bosnian capital, the Bosnian Catholic news agency (KTA) reported on Wednesday. Cardinal Puljic emphasised that the Holy See's embassy would be a lasting reminder of the message of peace sent by Pope John Paul II to the citizens of Bosnia-Herzegovina during his pastoral visit in April last year, when he called for forgiveness and reconciliation. Also present at the ceremony were Zagreb Archbishop Josip Bozanic, Varazdin Bishop Marko Culej, Mostar Bishop Ratko Peric, head of the Franciscan province Bosna Srebrna, Friar Petar Andjelovic, professors from the Sarajevo Theological College, and numerous priests, monks and nuns as well as officials from the Croat-Muslim Federation and Sarajevo Canton. Apostolic Nunciature in Bosnia charge d'affaires Monsignor Mario Cassario thanked all those who had contributed to the beginning of construction. He emphasised this act was yet another sign of hope that "ruins which are the produce of evil and human selfishness can again rise to life in their totality". The start of construction was also welcomed by Federation President Ejup Ganic and Bosnian Foreign Minister Jadranko Prlic. (Hina) mb /lm 221920 MET apr 98