BANJA LUKA MEETING OF SOLIDARITY ISSUES STATEMENT

( Editorial: --> 9846 ) BANJA LUKA, March 16 (Hina) - At the invitation of the Commission 'Justitia et pax' of Bosnia-Herzegovina, European commissions 'Justitia et pax' met in Banja Luka between 14 and 16 March to show their solidarity with the peoples of Bosnia-Herzegovina and support the implementation of the Dayton agreement, said a statement issued after the meeting. Sixty representatives from 17 European countries met with representatives of Bosnian religious communities, local authorities and international organisations, as well as with representatives of parish communities. During these meetings they could hear dramatic testimonies of people whose rights were or still are being violated. However, they could also see that brave efforts aimed at reconciliation do exist. The people of Bosnia-Herzegovina must have the right to learn the truth about the events which happened in the war no matter how bitter it might be. They have to learn the truth about the fate of the missing such as two Catholic priests from Banja Luka parish - Ratko Grgic and Tomislav Matanovic, said the statement. Justice means a state of law, which cares for the protection and safety of returnees and the creation of conditions for democratic elections, the statement said, adding that the education system must not be misused. All Bosnian citizens, regardless of their origin, religion or political orientation, should have the right to employment and social and health insurance. The present dramatic developments in Kosovo hit the international community like a boomerang reminding it of the recent disastrous situation in Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, said the statement. All people of good will have to work on securing a peaceful solution through a constructive dialogue, the document concluded. (hina) rm 161101 MET mar 98