BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA: RESOLVE PROBLEMS OF LOCAL POPULATIONS

VATICAN CITY, FEB 27, 2004 (VIS) - This morning the Holy Father received the Letters of Credence of the new ambassador of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Miroslav Palameta. In his speech in Croatian, he focused on finding solutions to the problems that affect local populations and emphasized "it is the challenge of a multiethnic and multicultural society like Bosnia-Herzegovina" to find solutions that are beneficial to all.

The Pope referred to "the unresolved question of the refugees and exiles of Banja Luka, Bosanska Posavina and other areas in Bosnia. . The more time that passes, the more urgent the duty becomes to respond to their legitimate aspirations: their suffering requires our solidarity."

"We must address and resolve," he continued, "eventual situations of injustice and exclusion, guaranteeing each group of people in Bosnia-Herzegovina their respective rights and duties, assuring them equal opportunities in social life through democratic structures that are able to resist the temptation to subject some groups to others. Democracy must be built with patient tenacity one day at a time, always using means and methods worthy and respectful of a civil society."

After urging citizens to take up "the path of peace and justice," the Holy Father asked them to create "conditions for sincere forgiveness and authentic reconciliation, freeing the memory of rancor and hatred derived from injustices suffered and from artificially constructed prejudices. This great task requires the active collaboration and serious commitment of all components of society, including political leaders."

The Pope underscored that "we must not ignore our differences, we must respect them," and said that those who "have responsibility at various levels are called to make a greater effort in order to resolve the problems that affect local populations."

"Bosnia-Herzegovina wants to join the other European countries in building a common house. May this desire be fulfilled as soon as possible." He concluded: "The Holy See supports this path to unification and hopes that a great family of peoples and culture will be built in Europe as a result of everyone's contribution. The European Union is not only an extension of it borders, but it means growing together in respect for every cultural tradition and in a commitment to justice and peace on the continent and in the world."
CD/CREDENTIALS/BOSNIA:PALAMETA VIS 20040227 (390)