POPE RECEIVES DELEGATION OF BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA ( Editorial: --> 1093 )

( Editorial: --> 1093 ) ROME, 15 Nov (Hina) - Pope John Paul II on Saturday received a delegation of Bosnia-Herzegovina consisting of some 60 members of a committee which organised his visit to Sarajevo in April this year. The delegation was led by the Archbishop of Sarajevo, Cardinal Vinko Puljic. It is a justified wish of Catholics to see their civil, cultural and religious aspirations adequately recognized and respected. They should be guaranteed rights exercised by all other persons and all other communities in your country, so that with their contribution they could help make living more humane and peaceful, the Pope said. The Pope said he was convinced that his visit had contributed to reviving the belief of the people of Bosnia-Herzegovina in dialogue, justice, mutual understanding and a just and lasting peace. All three peoples should with patience, selflessness and spirit of cooperation continue contributing to the reconstruction of the country and the good work of its joint institutions. As in the past, the Holy See would continue to appropriately contribute to supporting the civil and social development of Bosnia-Herzegovina in international institutions, the Pope said. The Bosnian delegation also included Sarajevo Auxiliary Bishop Pero Sudar, Banja Luka Bishop Franjo Komarica, Mostar Bishop Ratko Peric, the president of the committee for the Pope's visit, Neven Tomic, Bosnia's Foreign Minister Jadranko Prlic and the Premier of the Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Edhem Bicakcic. (hina) jn rm 151843 MET nov 97